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 does hemoglobin combine with to form oxyhemoglobin?

  Oxygen
• 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 help them?

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

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

  To defend against infection
• Name one method white blood cells use to defend against pathogens.

  Phagocytosis
• What do antibodies do?

  They bind to pathogens and help destroy them
• What is the role of anti-toxins produced by white blood cells?

  To neutralize toxins from pathogens
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes, they have a nucleus
• What are platelets?

  Small fragments of cells without a nucleus
• What is the primary function of platelets?

  To aid in blood clotting
• What happens when a cut occurs?

  Platelets rush to the wound to clot
• Why are platelets important besides clotting?

  They help prevent microorganisms from entering
• 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?

  Receiving real blood from donors
• Why is a blood transfusion better than artificial blood?

  It contains real red blood cells
• What are the components and functions of blood?

  • Red blood cells: Carry oxygen
  • White blood cells: Defend against infection
  • Platelets: Aid in clotting
  • Plasma: Transports nutrients and waste
• What are the differences between artificial blood and blood transfusions?

  • Artificial blood:
  • Made of salt water
  • Adds volume but no red blood cells
  • Blood transfusions:
  • Real blood from donors
  • Contains red blood cells for oxygen transport