Blood groups

• What are the four important parts of blood that need to be known?

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

  To transport dissolved substances around the body
• What types of blood cells are found in plasma?

  Red blood cells and white blood cells
• What are platelets?

  Tiny fragments of cells that help the blood to clot
• What does plasma transport from the small intestine to other organs?

  Soluble digestion products like glucose
• How does plasma assist in the removal of carbon dioxide?

  It transports carbon dioxide from body cells to the lungs to be exhaled
• What waste product does plasma transport from the liver to the kidneys?

  Urea
• What is the primary function of red blood cells?

  To transport oxygen from the lungs to the body cells
• What molecule do red blood cells contain that is crucial 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 is it beneficial?

  They have a biconcave disk shape, which increases surface area for oxygen diffusion
• What role do white blood cells play in the body?

  They are part of the immune system and help make antibodies
• What key feature do white blood cells contain that is important for their function?

  A nucleus that contains DNA
• What is the primary function of platelets?

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

  To replace blood loss during injury and provide platelets for clotting
• What is a critical consideration when performing a blood transfusion?

  The donated blood must be the same blood type as the patient’s
• What is a risk associated with using blood products?

  Transmission of diseases through blood
• How is the risk of infection from blood products managed 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 in blood clotting
• What are the risks associated with blood products?

  • Blood type mismatch can lead to rejection
  • Risk of disease transmission
  • Infection screening reduces risk in the UK
• Red blood cells


  To transport oxygen around the body- packed full of a pigment called haemoglobin which binds to oxygen.
• Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?


  To allow more oxygen to be carried (more room available)