the heart + blood

• What type of tissue is blood?

  Blood is a tissue
• What are tissues composed of?

  Groups of similar cells acting together
• What is the fluid component of blood called?

  Plasma
• What are the three main components of blood plasma?

  • White blood cells
  • Platelets
  • Red blood cells
• What are the two types of white blood cells?

  Phagocytes and lymphocytes
• Where are white blood cells suspended?

  In blood plasma
• What is the function of platelets?

  Trigger blood clotting at wound sites
• What are platelets made of?

  Small cell fragments without a nucleus
• What are red blood cells also known as?

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

  Transport oxygen from lungs to body cells
• How are red blood cells adapted for their function?

  • Contain haemoglobin for oxygen binding
  • Small size to pass through capillaries
  • Biconcave shape for large surface area
  • Lack of nucleus to maximize haemoglobin space
• What does haemoglobin do in red blood cells?

  Binds with oxygen in the lungs
• What happens to oxygen carried by haemoglobin?

  It is released to body cells for respiration
• Why are red blood cells small?

  To pass through tiny capillaries
• What shape do red blood cells have?

  Biconcave shape
• How does the biconcave shape benefit red blood cells?

  It creates a large surface area for diffusion
• Do red blood cells have a nucleus?

  No, they do not have a nucleus
• What is the advantage of red blood cells lacking a nucleus?

  It maximizes space for haemoglobin
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes, they have a nucleus
• What ability do white blood cells have regarding their shape?

  They can change shape
• How do white blood cells use their shape-changing ability?

  To squeeze through blood vessel walls
• What is the role of white blood cells in the body?

  To engulf harmful microorganisms