blood

• What are the four important parts of blood?

  • Blood Plasma
  • Red Blood Cells
  • White Blood Cells
  • Platelets
• What is blood plasma?

  Plasma is the liquid part of the blood.
• What are the two different types of blood cells found in plasma?

  Red blood cells and white blood cells.
• What are platelets and what is their function?

  Platelets are tiny fragments of cells that help blood clot.
• What are the main functions of blood plasma in the body?

  • Transports dissolved substances around the body
  • Transports soluble digestion products (e.g., glucose) from the small intestine to other organs
  • Transports carbon dioxide from body cells to the lungs for exhalation
  • Transports waste product urea from the liver to the kidneys for excretion
• What does plasma transport from the small intestine to other organs?

  Soluble digestion products, such as glucose.
• What gas does plasma transport from body cells to the lungs?

  Carbon dioxide.
• What waste product does plasma transport from the liver to the kidneys?

  Urea.
• What are the three adaptations of red blood cells that facilitate oxygen transport?

  1. Contain the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin
  2. Have no nucleus
  3. Have a biconcave disk shape
• What molecule in red blood cells carries oxygen?

  Hemoglobin.
• Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?

  They have no nucleus to create more room for hemoglobin.
• How does hemoglobin facilitate oxygen transport in red blood cells?

  Hemoglobin combines with oxygen in the lungs to form oxyhemoglobin, which then releases oxygen to the body cells.
• What is the shape of red blood cells called?

  Biconcave disk.
• How does the biconcave disk shape of red blood cells affect oxygen transport?

  It increases the surface area, allowing oxygen to diffuse in and out rapidly.
• What is the primary role of white blood cells in the body?

  • Part of the immune system
  • Make antibodies
• What key feature distinguishes white blood cells from red blood cells?

  White blood cells contain a nucleus.
• Why do white blood cells contain a nucleus?

  It contains DNA, which encodes instructions for their immune functions.
• What are platelets and their primary function?

  • Tiny fragments of cells
  • Help blood clot
• What are the main uses of donated blood in medicine?

  • Replacing blood loss during injury
  • Supplying platelets for clotting
  • Providing proteins such as antibodies
• What are the two main risks associated with using blood products in medicine?

  1. Blood transfusion rejection due to blood type mismatch
  2. Risk of infection from bloodborne diseases
• What must be ensured to avoid blood rejection during a transfusion?

  The donated blood must be the same blood type as the patient.
• What could happen if a blood transfusion is rejected by the patient's body?

  The body's immune system will attack the blood, potentially leading to the patient's death.
• What measures are taken in the UK to minimize the risk of infection from donated blood?

  Blood is screened for infection.