3.3 Human Blood Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the two main components of human blood?
- 55% Blood Plasma (pale yellow fluid)
- 45% Blood Cells (Red blood cells, White blood cells, Platelets)
What is the function of red blood cells?
- Transport oxygen using hemoglobin
- Biconcave shape increases surface area for gas exchange
- No nucleus (to carry more hemoglobin)
What is the function of white blood cells?
- Defend the body against pathogens
- Can engulf microbes (phagocytosis)
- Some produce antibodies
What is the function of platelets?
- Help in blood clotting
- Prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots at injury sites
- Fragments of cells, not full cells
What is the role of blood plasma?
- Yellowish fluid portion of blood
- Transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products
- Makes up 55% of blood volume
What is the function of water in blood plasma?
- Acts as a transport medium
- Solvent for gases, ions, nutrients, and waste products
What is the role of nutrients (like glucose and vitamins) in the blood?
- Provide energy
- Support growth
- Help maintain health
What is the function of dissolved gases in blood?
- Oxygen is used in cellular respiration
- Carbon dioxide is a waste product of respiration
What happens to waste substances like urea in the blood?
- Transported to the kidneys for elimination
- This process maintains a clean internal environment
What is the function of enzymes in the blood?
Speed up biochemical reactions in the body
What do hormones do in the bloodstream?
Regulate the activity of organs and tissues
Who can a person with blood group A receive blood from?
- A
- O
Who can a person with blood group B receive blood from?
- B
- O
Who can a person with blood group AB receive blood from?
- A
- B
- AB
- O
(Universal recipient)
Who can a person with blood group O receive blood from?
O only
(Universal donor)
Why is blood group O called the universal donor?
Because blood group O can be donated to all other blood groups.
Why is blood group AB called the universal recipient?
Because blood group AB can receive blood from all other blood groups.
Why must blood transfusion match the recipient’s blood group?
To prevent harmful blood clotting or immune reactions in the recipient.
What are the benefits of donating blood?
- Can save lives
- Does not harm healthy donors
- May reduce risk of cancer
- May lower risk of heart disease
