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Module 1 Blood Composition and Functions

Blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the liquid component that suspends blood cells and transports proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, waste, and gases. Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells defend against pathogens, and platelets promote clotting. Blood functions include transporting oxygen and nutrients, removing waste, immune response, clotting, pH and electrolyte balance, temperature regulation, and hormone transport, all of which are essential for homeostasis.

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11 views2 pages

Module 1 Blood Composition and Functions

Blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the liquid component that suspends blood cells and transports proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, waste, and gases. Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells defend against pathogens, and platelets promote clotting. Blood functions include transporting oxygen and nutrients, removing waste, immune response, clotting, pH and electrolyte balance, temperature regulation, and hormone transport, all of which are essential for homeostasis.

Uploaded by

kareemahabdulraheem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 1 Blood Composition and Functions

Blood is a vital connective tissue that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis
within the human body. It is composed of various cellular and non-cellular
components, each with specific functions that are essential for overall health and
survival. Understanding blood composition and functions is fundamental to
grasping its importance in various physiological processes.

Blood Composition:
1. Plasma: Plasma is the liquid
component of blood, making up
about 55% of its volume. It is a
pale-yellow fluid that serves as the
matrix in which blood cells and
other components are suspended.
Plasma consists mainly of water
(about 90%), electrolytes, proteins,
hormones, waste products, and
gases.

2. Blood Cells: Blood contains three


main types of cells, each with distinct functions:
• Red Blood Cells (RBCs or Erythrocytes): These are the most abundant
blood cells, accounting for approximately 45% of the total blood
volume. RBCs contain the protein Haemoglobin, which binds oxygen
and carries it to tissues throughout the body. Their biconcave shape
provides a large surface area for gas exchange.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs or Leukocytes): WBCs are responsible for the
body's immune response and defence against pathogens. There are
several types of WBCs, including neutrophils, lymphocytes,
monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each with specialized functions
in immunity.
• Platelets (Thrombocytes): Platelets are cell fragments involved in the
process of Haemostasis and blood clotting. They play a crucial role in
preventing excessive bleeding when blood vessels are injured.
3. Blood Proteins: Blood contains a variety of proteins with essential roles,
including:
• Albumin: Maintains blood osmotic pressure and transports various
substances.
• Globulins: Includes antibodies (immunoglobulins) that help defend
against infections and transport proteins.
• Fibrinogen: Essential for blood clot formation.
• Enzymes: Facilitate various biochemical reactions in the body.

Functions of Blood:
1. Transportation of Oxygen and Nutrients: Red blood cells transport oxygen
from the lungs to body tissues. Blood also carries nutrients, such as glucose,
amino acids, and fatty acids, to cells for energy production and growth.
2. Removal of Waste Products: Blood carries waste products, including carbon
dioxide and metabolic by-products, to the lungs and kidneys for elimination
from the body.
3. Immune Response: White blood cells play a central role in the immune
system by identifying and attacking pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.
They also produce antibodies and coordinate immune responses.
4. Clotting and Haemostasis: Platelets and clotting factors in blood prevent
excessive bleeding when blood vessels are damaged. This process, known as
Haemostasis, involves vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and the
formation of a fibrin clot.
5. Maintenance of pH and Electrolyte Balance: Blood helps regulate the body's
pH levels by buffering excess acids or bases. It also maintains electrolyte
balance by transporting ions like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride.
6. Temperature Regulation: Blood helps regulate body temperature by
redistributing heat throughout the body. When body temperature rises,
blood vessels dilate to dissipate heat, while vasoconstriction conserves heat
when it's cold.
7. Hormone Transport: Hormones, produced by endocrine glands, are carried
by the bloodstream to target tissues and organs, where they regulate various
physiological processes.

In summary, blood is a complex and dynamic tissue that performs a multitude of


vital functions in the human body. Its composition and functions are tightly
regulated to maintain overall health and ensure the proper functioning of various
organ systems. Understanding these aspects of blood physiology is essential for
comprehending its significance in maintaining homeostasis and responding to
various physiological challenges and threats.

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