Organising Animals And Plants Flashcards
(126 cards)
What percentage of blood is made up of plasma?
55%
What components make up the blood?
- Plasma, 55%
- Red blood cells, 45%
- White blood cells, <1%
- Platelets, <1%
What is the primary function of blood plasma?
Carries dissolved substances around the body
What waste product does blood plasma carry to the lungs?
Carbon dioxide
Where is urea formed and where is it carried to be removed from the blood?
Formed in liver, carried to kidneys
What do small soluble products of digestion get transported to?
Individual cells
What is the main function of red blood cells?
Pick up oxygen from the air in lungs and carry it to cells
What structural adaptation do red blood cells have to increase diffusion?
Biconcave disks
What pigment do red blood cells contain that binds to oxygen?
Haemoglobin
Why do red blood cells not have a nucleus?
To have more space for haemoglobin
What is the role of white blood cells in the body?
Form part of the body’s defence system against harmful microorganisms
What do lymphocytes produce in response to microorganisms?
Antibodies
What do some white blood cells form to combat poisons?
Antitoxins
What process do some white blood cells use to deal with invading bacteria and viruses?
Engulf and digest
What are platelets and their role in blood?
Small fragments of cells important for blood clotting
What is the process of blood clotting?
Converts fibrinogen into fibrin through enzyme-controlled reactions
What does fibrin form when it captures red blood cells and platelets?
A clot that dries to form a scab
What is the purpose of a scab?
Protects new skin as it grows and stops bacteria entering the body
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
Arteries, veins, capillaries
What is the primary function of arteries?
Carry blood away from heart to organs
What type of blood do arteries carry?
Bright-red oxygenated blood
Describe the appearance of arteries.
Thick walls containing muscle and elastic fibres, small lumen
How do arteries facilitate blood movement?
Arteries stretch and blood is forced through them, returning to shape, felt as a pulse
What is the primary function of veins?
Carry blood away from organs towards heart