In this article we will talk about blood and its components. 4 main components of blood are plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Before starting description of blood’s components, let’s know little bit about blood.
Table of Contents
Blood
Blood is a fluid connective tissue. Blood, fluid that transports oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away carbon dioxide and other waste products.
Technically, blood is a transport liquid pumped by the heart(or an equivalent structure) to all parts of the body, after which it is returned to the heart to repeat the process.
It is also known as fluid for life, fluid for growth, fluid for health. It is a tissue because it is a collection of similar specialized cells that serve particular functions.
Physical Properties of Blood
Blood is a fluid that is technically considered a connective tissue. It is an extra cellular matrix in which blood cells are suspended in plasma. It normally has a pH of about 7.4 and is slightly denser and more viscous than water. Blood contains red blood cells , white blood cells platelets, and other cell fragments, molecules, and debris. Albumin is the main protein found in plasma, and it functions to regulate the colloidal osmotic pressure of blood.
Important physiological characteristics of blood to remember are its alkaline pH (7.35-7.45), high temperature (38°C), high viscosity (five times more viscous than water), and volume in the human body (approximately 8%).
Composition of Blood
It has four main components:
- Plasma
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Platelets
1. Plasma
The liquid state of blood can be contributed to plasma as it makes up ~55% of blood. It is pale yellow in colour and when separated. Blood plasma consists of salts, nutrients, water and enzymes. Blood plasma also contains important proteins and other components necessary for overall health. Hence, blood plasma transfusions are given to patients with liver failure and life-threatening injuries.
2. Red blood cells
A type of blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and found in the blood. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Checking the number of red blood cells in the blood is usually part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. It may be used to look for conditions such as anemia, dehydration, malnutrition, and leukemia. Also called erythrocyte and RBC.
3. White blood cells
White blood cells are a part of your immune system that protects your body from infection. These cells circulate through your bloodstream and tissues to respond to injury or illness by attacking any unknown organisms that enter your body.
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are responsible for protecting your body from infection. As part of your immune system, white blood cells circulate in your blood and respond to injury or illness.
4. Plateletes
Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding. If one of your blood vessels gets damaged, it sends out signals to the platelets. The platelets then rush to the site of damage and form a plug (clot) to fix the damage.
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are tiny components of your blood that help with clotting. Platelets are your body’s natural bandage to stop bleeding.
Functions of Blood
Blood is responsible for the following body functions:
1. Provides oxygen to the cells
Blood absorbs oxygen from the lungs and transports it to different cells of the body. The waste carbon dioxide moves from the blood to the lungs and is exhaled.
2. Blood clotting at site of injury
The platelets help in the clotting of blood at the site of injury. Platelets along with the fibrin form clot at the wound site
3. Homeostasis
Blood helps to maintain the internal body temperature by absorbing or releasing heat.