The Blood

• What are the four important parts of blood?

  Blood plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• What are the functions of the different parts of blood?

  • Blood plasma: Transports dissolved substances
  • Red blood cells: Transport oxygen
  • White blood cells: Part of the immune system
  • Platelets: Help blood to clot
• What is the role of blood plasma?

  To transport dissolved substances around the body
• What does blood plasma transport from the small intestine?

  Glucose
• What waste product does blood plasma transport from the liver to the kidneys?

  Urea
• What gas does blood plasma transport from body cells to the lungs?

  Carbon dioxide
• What is the primary function of red blood cells?

  To transport oxygen from the lungs to body cells
• What adaptations do red blood cells have for their function?

  • Contain hemoglobin for oxygen binding
  • No nucleus for more hemoglobin space
  • Biconcave shape for greater surface area
• What is hemoglobin's role in red blood cells?

  To combine with oxygen in the lungs to form oxyhemoglobin
• Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?

  To have more room for hemoglobin
• What shape do red blood cells have and why?

  Biconcave disk shape for greater surface area
• What is the primary function of white blood cells?

  To form part of the immune system, including making antibodies
• What key feature do white blood cells contain?

  The nucleus
• What is the function of platelets in blood?

  To help the blood to clot
• What are the uses of blood products in medicine?

  • Replace blood loss during injury
  • Provide platelets for clotting
  • Supply proteins like antibodies
• What must be ensured during a blood transfusion?

  That the donated blood is the same blood type as the patient's
• What is a risk associated with using blood products?

  Transmission of diseases
• How is the risk of infection from blood products minimized in the UK?

  By screening donated blood for infection
• What are the risks associated with blood transfusions?

  • Immune rejection of incompatible blood
  • Risk of infection from transmitted diseases