Components of Blood

Question 1

Plasma

Answer 1

• clear part of blood (55% of blood volume)
• contains mostly h2o, dissolved salts, nutrients, enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins

Question 2

RBC (red blood cells)

Answer 2

• 44% of blood volume
• enucleated (no nucleus) when mature
• packed with hemoglobin molecules that allow for oxygen transport
• produced in bone marrow
• deficiency of iron, rbc, or hemoglobin causes anemia

Question 4

WBC (white blood cells)

Answer 4

• <1% of blood volume when healthy
• cells make up immune system and fight infections
• many types of white blood cells
• formed in bone marrow and lymph system
• produce more WBC when sick or have leukemia

Question 5

Platelets

Answer 5

Tiny fragments (<1%) in blood Form blood clots to stop bleeding
- bleeding occur when blood vessel is broken
- blood clots block the opening in the blood vessel to stop bleeding

Question 6

When Clots become deadly

Answer 6

• thrombus: blood clot that blocks major blood vessel
• causes heart attacks
• cause strokes

Question 7

Antigen

Answer 7

Marker on surface of cell, used to signal identity

Question 8

Antibodies

Answer 8

• large proteins in blood plasma
• used by immune system to neutralize pathogens
• antibodies specific to certain antigen (lock and key)
• Ex: flu shot