Blood Flashcards
Name the 4 components of the blood
Plasma (55%)
Red Blood Cells (45%)
White Blood Cells (<1%)
Platelets (<1%)
What does blood plasma transport?
Dissolved substances (glucose, carbon dioxide, hormones and urea)
What is the scientific name for Red Blood Cells?
Erythrocytes
What is the function of RBC?
To transport oxygen around the body
What is the function of Platelets?
To repair damaged blood vessels and make blood clots
What are Platelets?
Small fragments of cells
Name the 2 types of WBC
Lymphocytes
Phagocytes
What do Lymphocytes do?
Produce anti-bodies
What do Phagocytes do?
Engulf and digest Pathogens
Name the special shape of a RBC
Bi-concave shape
Why do RBC have a bi-concave shape?
To maximise surface area and yet have a small volume
What is the function of valves?
To prevent backflow
Describe the structure of a vein
Thin outer wall
Thin layer of muscle
Wide lumen
Where is blood in veins going?
Back into heart
Where is blood in arteries going?
Away from heart
What do capillaries do?
Give blood to cells and tissues
Describe the lumen of an artery
Narrow
Why do arteries have thick outer walls?
So that they don’t burst
What is haemoglobin?
A pigment that can bind reversibly with oxygen
Where does Urea end up?
Urine
Where in the blood is Urea dissolved?
Plasma
What is Urea?
A waste product of the breakdown of proteins
State the word equation for aerobic respiration
Oxygen + glucose ➡️ Carbon Dioxide + Water (+ ENERGY)
Where can haemoglobin be found?
RBCs
How are RBCs adapted for their function?
Contain haemoglobin - for oxygen to bind to
No organelles - more room for oxygen
Bi-concave shape - more oxygen, little space (large SA, small volume)
How are capillaries adapted to their function?
One cell thick
so substances can easily diffuse in and out
