Components, Characteristics, Functions of Blood

on 5.7.05 with 2 comments



A. Major Components of Blood
1. Formed elements - the actual cellular components of blood (special connective tissue)
  • erythrocytes - red blood cells
  • leukocytes - white blood cells
  • platelets - cell fragments for clotting
2.Blood plasma - complex non-cellular fluid surrounding formed elements; protein & electrolytes

B. Separation of Components in a Centrifuge

VOLUME ________________________
Layer

1. clear/yellowish PLASMA ---------------------55% top
2. thin/whitish buffy coat------------------------ less than 1% middle with Leukocytes & Platelets
3. reddish mass --------------------------------- ERYTHROCYTES 45% bottom


Hematocrit - percentage by VOLUME of erythrocytes when blood is centrifuged (normal = 45%)

C. Characteristics of Blood

  1. bright red (oxygenated)
  2. dark red/purplish (unoxygenated)
  3. much more dense than pure water
  4. pH range from 7.35 to 7.45 (slightly alkaline)
  5. slightly warmer than body temperature 100.4 F
  6. typical volume in adult male 5-6 liters
  7. typical volume in adult female 4-5 liters
  8. typically 8% of body weight

D. Major Functions of Blood

  1. Distribution & Transport
  • oxygen from lungs to body cells
  • carbon dioxide from body cells to lungs
  • nutrients from GI tract to body cells
  • nitrogenous wastes from body cells to kidneys
  • hormones from glands to body cells

2. Regulation (maintenance of homeostasis)

  • maintenance of normal body pH -- blood proteins (albumin) & bicarbonate
  • maintenance of circulatory/interstitial fluid-- electrolytes and blood proteins (albumin)
  • maintenance of temperature (blushed skin)


3. Protection
  • platelets and proteins "seal" vessel damage
  • protection from foreign material & infections--leukocytes, antibodies, complement proteins


Category: Pathology Notes

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...
March 19, 2012 at 5:52 AM

Can you pleeeaaasssseee include how blood can be a solution, colliod, and suspension?
I can't find that information anywhere!!
Please help!
Thank you :)

Anonymous said...
March 19, 2012 at 5:53 AM

How can blood act as a solution, colliod and suspension all at the same time!!?!?

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