Components, Characteristics, Functions of Blood

• erythrocytes - red blood cells
  
• leukocytes - white blood cells
  
• platelets - cell fragments for clotting

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

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

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

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

Category: Pathology Notes