blood cells Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the main function of white blood cells?
Defence against disease
White blood cells are crucial for the immune response.
How do white blood cells compare to red blood cells in size and structure?
Larger than red blood cells and have a nucleus
The presence of a nucleus allows for various functions including immune response.
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
To carry oxygen to all the cells of the body
Oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration.
What substance do red blood cells contain that is vital for their function?
Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues.
What is unique about the structure of red blood cells?
They have no nucleus
This allows more room for haemoglobin and increases oxygen-carrying capacity.
What are platelets and what is their function?
Fragments of cells that clot the blood
Clotting prevents excessive bleeding from wounds.
What is plasma and what are its main components?
A yellow fluid consisting mainly of water with dissolved substances
Plasma transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
What are the main components of blood?
White blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma
Each component has specialized functions for bodily health.
Fill in the blank: The blood flows round the circulatory system in the _______.
Blood vessels
Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries.
What happens to blood as it moves from arteries to capillaries?
Arteries narrow down into capillaries
This allows for the exchange of substances at the cellular level.
Where does the exchange of substances occur in the circulatory system?
In the capillary networks
Capillaries are the sites for nutrient and gas exchange.
What do capillaries join to form?
Veins
Veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
True or False: Capillaries supply oxygen and food to the body cells.
True
Capillaries are essential for nutrient delivery to cells.
What diffuses into the cells from the capillaries?
Oxygen and food
These substances are crucial for cellular metabolism.
What waste products diffuse out of the cells into the capillaries?
Waste and carbon dioxide
This process is vital for maintaining homeostasis.
