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 is formed when hemoglobin combines with oxygen?

  Oxyhemoglobin
• Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?

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

  Biconcave disk
• Why is the biconcave shape of red blood cells important?

  It increases surface area for oxygen diffusion
• 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?

  Tiny fragments of cells
• What is the function of platelets?

  To help the blood to clot
• What is a common use of donated blood?

  To replace blood loss during injury
• What can be extracted from blood to help in clotting?

  Platelets
• What proteins extracted from blood can be useful?

  Antibodies
• What must be ensured during a blood transfusion?

  Donated blood must match the patient's type
• What is a risk associated with blood products?

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

  Blood is screened 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:

  • Blood type mismatch in transfusions
  • Risk of disease transmission