blood cells/functions of blood Flashcards
(12 cards)
state the three functions of blood
- transport
- protection
- regulation
what does blood transport
nutrients and oxygen to cells, carbon dioxide and waste from cells, hormones and heat (regulate temperature)
how does blood protect you
- white blood cells invade/destroy micro organisms and cancer cells
- coagulation (thickens at wounded areas to form a structure)
what does blood regulate
- pH balance
- water balance
name the components of blood (proper terms)
-erythrocytes
-leucocytes
- thrombocytes
- plasma
function of red blood cells
erythrocytes have no nucleus making them a biconcave disc making them more flexible and increases the oxygen carrying capacity
live for about 120 days
haemoglobin vs oxyhaemoglobin
haemoglobin has delivered oxygen to cells (deoxygenated)- darker in colour
oxyhemoglobin is carrying oxygen- lighter in colour
function of white blood cells
leucocytes are involved in the bodies internal immune defence system. there are many different types with various roles.
e.g. macrophages (phagocytes) engulf organisms via phagocytosis
live for a few days to a few weeks
function of platelets
thrombocytes are large fragments originating from large bone marrow cells. they clot blood (coagulation).
too many= clots/stroke
too little= uncontrolled bleeding
live from 8-12 days
plasma
the straw coloured fluid in which blood cells are suspended in. it consists of
- dissolved substances (electrolytes) sodium, chlorine, potassium, calcium ions
-blood plasma proteins
-hormones and enzymes
transport of oxygen throughout blood
97% is carried via oxyhemoglobin erythrocytes
3% is dissolved into the plasma
transport of carbon dioxide throughout blood
8% is dissolved into plasma
70% are carried by bicarbonate ions
22% via carbaminohaemoglobin
