Blood-Circulatory system

• What is the primary function of red blood cells?

  To carry oxygen from the lungs
• Why is the shape of red blood cells important?

  It provides a large surface area for oxygen absorption
• What do red blood cells lack that allows more room for oxygen?

  A nucleus
• What pigment do red blood cells contain?

  Haemoglobin
• What happens to haemoglobin in the lungs?

  It binds to oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin
• What occurs to oxyhaemoglobin in body tissues?

  It splits into haemoglobin and oxygen
• What is the role of white blood cells?

  To defend against infection
• What process do some white blood cells use to engulf microorganisms?

  Phagocytosis
• What do some white blood cells produce to combat microorganisms?

  Antibodies and antitoxins
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes, they do
• What are platelets?

  Small fragments of cells
• Do platelets have a nucleus?

  No, they do not
• What is the function of platelets in the blood?

  To help blood clot at wounds
• What can a lack of platelets cause?

  Excessive bleeding and bruising
• What is plasma?

  A pale straw-coloured liquid in blood
• What does plasma carry in the blood?

  Red and white blood cells, platelets
• What nutrients does plasma carry?

  Glucose and amino acids
• What waste product does plasma transport from organs to lungs?

  Carbon dioxide
• What does plasma carry from the liver to the kidneys?

  Urea
• What other substances does plasma carry?

  Hormones, proteins, antibodies, antitoxins
• What are the main components of blood and their functions?

  • Red Blood Cells: Carry oxygen
  • White Blood Cells: Defend against infection
  • Platelets: Help blood clot
  • Plasma: Carries cells, nutrients, waste, hormones
• Why are blood tests useful for diagnosing disorders?

  • Blood transports many chemicals
  • Easier to take blood than muscle samples
  • Provides information about various organs