Function of Blood

• Provides transport for the following:• Nutrients• Oxygen• Carbon dioxide• Waste products• Hormones• Heat• Immune bodies

Function of Blood

• Helps maintain the following– Fluid balance– pH equilibrium

• Circulatory system is designed to prevent blood loss if the closed system gets opened

Composition of Blood

• Cells – Erythrocytes (RBCs)– Leukocytes (WBCs)– Platelets (thrombocytes)

• Plasma– Liquid component of cells, colloids that are

suspended, and other dissolved substances (water, sugar, fat, protein, and salts)

– 60% of blood

Hematocrit• Centrifuged blood• RBC mass occupies the

lower portion called the packed cell volume (PCV)

• WBCs and platelets occupy the middle portion called the “buffy coat”

• Plasma occupies the top portion

• Used to determine abnormal conditions

Blood pH

• About 7.4• Venous blood is

slightly more acidic (7.36) than arterial blood due to CO2 in the veins

Blood Cell Origins (Bone Marrow)

Assignment• Create a

document for blood cells

• Include: name, function, description of appearance, life span, picture

• Save as a PDF – email

Blood Cells: Erythrocytes, Thrombocytes, and Leukocytes (granulocytes and agranulocytes)