blood Flashcards
what are the 4 main things blood is made up of
red blood cells
white blood cells
platelets
plasma
what do red blood cells do
carry oxygen from the lungs to other cells in the body
what is the shape of red blood cells
biconcave disc to give them a large surface area for absorbing oxygen
do red blood cells have a nucleus
no, this allows them to carry more oxygen
what is the red pigment called in red blood cells
haemoglobin
what do white blood cells do
defend against infections
what do white blood cells produce
antibodies to right microorganisms as well as antitoxins to neutralise any toxins produced by the microorganisms
do white blood cells have a nucleus
yes
what do platelets do
help blood clot at a wound to stop blood pouring out and microorganisms entering the body
do platelets have a nucleus
no
what can lack of platelets cause
excessive bleeding and bruising
what does plasma do
liquid that carries everything in the blood: red and white blood cells, platelets, nutrients, antibodies and antitoxins
