Blood

• Blood is liquid tissue that transports oxygen and other substances dissolved in it
• Blood contains:

  • Plasma
  • Red blood cells
  • White blood cells
  • Platelets
• Plasma

  • a liquid that carries the components in the blood
  • includes : red and white blood cells, platelets, glucose, amino acids, carbon dioxide, urea, hormones, proteins, amino acids, antibodies and antitoxins
• Red blood cells

  • carry oxygen molecules from lungs to all cells in the body
  • have a bioconcave disc shape, which provides large surface area
  • no nucleus, more room to carry oxygen
  • contain haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and forms oxyhaemoglobin
• White blood cells

  • are a part of the immune system
  • have a nucleus
  • 3 different types : phagocytes and lymphocytes ( those that produce antibodies and antitoxins)
• Platelets

  • help the blood clots form at wounds
  • clot dries and hardens to form a scab, which allows new skin to grow underneath
  • no nucleus
  • without them cuts would result in excessive bleeding and bruising
  • small fragments of cells