Blood

• What are the four main components of blood?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma
• What is the primary role of red blood cells?

  To carry oxygen from lungs to tissues
• What pigment do red blood cells contain?

  Hemoglobin
• What happens to oxyhemoglobin in the tissues?

  It splits back into hemoglobin and oxygen
• What are the two adaptations of red blood cells?

  They lack a nucleus and are biconcave
• Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

  To provide more space for hemoglobin
• How does the biconcave shape of red blood cells benefit them?

  It increases surface area for oxygen absorption
• What percentage of blood do white blood cells make up?

  Less than 1%
• What is the role of white blood cells?

  To defend against infections
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes, they have a nucleus
• What is phagocytosis?

  Engulfing or consuming microorganisms
• How do antibodies help the immune system?

  They bind to pathogens and help destroy them
• What do anti-toxins do?

  Neutralize toxins produced by pathogens
• What are platelets?

  Small fragments of cells
• What is the primary function of platelets?

  To aid in blood clotting
• How do platelets respond to a cut?

  They rush to the wound and clot
• Why is clotting important?

  To stop blood loss and prevent infection
• What is plasma?

  A pale yellow liquid that makes blood watery
• What does plasma carry?

  Nutrients, waste products, hormones, and cells
• How much blood does an average adult have?

  About five liters
• What happens if blood volume drops too much?

  Insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues
• What is artificial blood?

  A blood substitute made of salt water
• What is the main benefit of artificial blood?

  It adds volume to the circulatory system
• What is a downside of artificial blood?

  It doesn't contain red blood cells
• What is a blood transfusion?

  Giving a person donated blood
• Why is a blood transfusion better than artificial blood?

  It contains real red blood cells