8.6 - Blood Structure and Function Flashcards
What is blood made up of?
Blood is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
What is plasma?
Plasma is the liquid that carries the components in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, glucose, amino acids, carbon dioxide, urea, hormones, proteins, antibodies, and antitoxins.
What is the function of red blood cells?
Red blood cells carry oxygen molecules from the lungs to all the cells in the body.
What is the shape of red blood cells and why is it important?
Red blood cells have a biconcave disc shape that provides a large surface area.
Do red blood cells have a nucleus?
No, red blood cells do not have a nucleus, allowing more room to carry oxygen.
What pigment do red blood cells contain?
Red blood cells contain the red pigment haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and forms oxyhaemoglobin.
What is the role of white blood cells?
White blood cells are part of the immune system, which is the body’s defense against pathogens.
Do white blood cells have a nucleus?
Yes, white blood cells have a nucleus.
What are the types of white blood cells?
There are three types of white blood cells: those that produce antibodies, those that engulf and digest pathogens, and those that produce antitoxins.
What is the function of platelets?
Platelets help the blood clot form at the site of a wound.
What happens to the clot formed by platelets?
The clot dries and hardens to form a scab, allowing new skin to grow underneath while preventing microorganisms from entering.
What are platelets?
Platelets are small fragments of cells with no nucleus.
What would happen without platelets?
Without platelets, cuts would result in excessive bleeding and bruising.
