The blood

• What are the four important parts of blood?

  Blood plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets
• What is the function of blood plasma?

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

  Soluble digestion products like glucose
• How does plasma help with carbon dioxide?

  It transports carbon dioxide to the lungs
• What waste product does plasma transport from the liver?

  Urea to the kidneys for excretion
• What is the primary function of red blood cells?

  To transport oxygen from the lungs to body cells
• What molecule do red blood cells contain for oxygen transport?

  Hemoglobin
• What happens to hemoglobin in the lungs?

  It combines with oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin
• What is the significance of red blood cells having no nucleus?

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

  Biconcave disk for greater surface area
• What is the role of white blood cells?

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

  A nucleus that contains DNA
• What are platelets and their function?

  Tiny fragments of cells that help blood clot
• What is a common use of donated blood in medicine?

  To replace blood loss during injury
• What is a specific use of platelets extracted from blood?

  To help in blood clotting
• What is a risk associated with blood transfusions?

  Immune system rejection of incompatible blood
• What is a risk from using blood products?

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

  By screening donated blood for infection
• 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 are the uses and risks of blood products?

  Uses:

  • Replace blood loss during injury
  • Provide platelets for clotting
  • Extract proteins like antibodies

  
  

  Risks:

  • Immune rejection of incompatible blood
  • Transmission of diseases
  • Infection risk, though low in the UK