B2- Circulatory System- Blood Flashcards
What is blood classified as?
Blood is a tissue.
What is the primary job of red blood cells?
To carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body.
What shape do red blood cells have?
Biconcave disc.
Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?
To allow more room to carry oxygen.
What pigment do red blood cells contain?
Haemoglobin.
What happens to haemoglobin in the lungs?
It binds to oxygen to become oxyhemoglobin.
What occurs in body tissues regarding oxyhemoglobin?
Oxyhemoglobin splits into haemoglobin and oxygen.
How does living at high altitudes affect red blood cell production?
People produce more red blood cells to compensate for less oxygen in the air.
What is the role of white blood cells?
To defend against infection.
What process do some white blood cells use to engulf microorganisms?
Phagocytosis.
What do some white blood cells produce to combat microorganisms?
Antibodies and antitoxins.
Do white blood cells have a nucleus?
Yes, unlike red blood cells.
What are platelets?
Small fragments of cells that help blood to clot.
What is the function of platelets?
To help the blood clot at a wound.
What can a lack of platelets cause?
Excessive bleeding and bruising.
What is plasma?
The liquid that carries everything in blood.
What does plasma carry? (list at least three components)
- Red and white blood cells
- Platelets
- Nutrients like glucose and amino acids
- Carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs
- Urea from the liver to the kidneys
- Hormones
- Proteins
- Antibodies and antitoxins produced by white blood cells.
Fill in the blank: Plasma is a pale straw-coloured liquid which carries just about everything, including _______.
[key learning term].
