blood

• What are the four main components of blood?

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

  • Carry oxygen from lungs to tissues
  • Contain hemoglobin for oxygen transport
  • Form oxyhemoglobin to deliver oxygen
• How do red blood cells facilitate oxygen transport?

  They contain hemoglobin that binds oxygen
• What happens to oxyhemoglobin in 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
• What shape do red blood cells have and why?

  Biconcave disc for large surface area
• What percentage of blood do white blood cells make up?

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

  • Essential part of the immune system
  • Defend against infections
  • Different types perform various functions
• What is phagocytosis?

  Engulfing or consuming microorganisms
• How do white blood cells produce antibodies?

  By binding onto pathogens to help destroy them
• What do antitoxins do?

  Neutralize toxins produced by pathogens
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes
• What are platelets?

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

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

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

  They prevent microorganisms from entering wounds
• What is plasma?

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

  Nutrients, waste products, hormones, cells
• How much blood do most adults have?

  About 5 liters
• What happens if blood volume drops too much?

  Insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues
• What are the two types of blood replacement?

  1. Artificial blood

  • Saltwater solution
  • Adds volume but no red blood cells

  1. Blood transfusion

  • Real blood from donors
  • Contains red blood cells for oxygen transport
• 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 transport oxygen effectively
• What is the key advantage of a blood transfusion?

  It provides real red blood cells
• Do red blood cells have a nucleus?

  No