Blood Flashcards
What are the three main functions of blood?
- Transport (oxygen, nutrients, waste)
- Defense (white blood cells, antibodies, clotting)
- Regulation (temperature, pH balance, water levels)
What are the four main components of blood?
Plasma, Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, Platelets
What is plasma?
Plasma is the yellow liquid in blood that transports nutrients, hormones, CO₂, urea, and heat.
What is the function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?
Transport oxygen using hemoglobin, forming oxyhemoglobin.
Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?
To provide more space for hemoglobin, increasing oxygen transport.
Where are red blood cells made, and how long do they live?
Made in bone marrow, lifespan 120 days.
What are the two types of white blood cells?
Phagocytes (engulf pathogens) and Lymphocytes (produce antibodies).
What is the function of platelets?
Help blood clotting to prevent blood loss and block pathogens.
What are the four main blood types?
A, B, AB, O
What is the universal donor blood type?
O- (has no antigens, safe for all recipients).
What is the universal recipient blood type?
AB+ (has all antigens, can receive all blood types).
What are the three types of blood vessels?
Arteries, veins, capillaries
How do arteries differ from veins?
Arteries: Thick walls, high pressure, no valves, carry oxygenated blood (except pulmonary artery).
Veins: Thin walls, low pressure, valves, carry deoxygenated blood (except pulmonary vein).
What is the function of capillaries?
Allow exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.
What are the two circuits in the circulatory system?
Pulmonary circulation (heart → lungs → heart)
Systemic circulation (heart → body → heart)
Describe the flow of blood through the heart.
Right Atrium → Right Ventricle → Lungs → Left Atrium → Left Ventricle → Body
What is the role of fibrin in blood clotting?
Fibrin forms a mesh-like clot to stop bleeding.
Why do white blood cells produce antibodies?
To recognize and destroy pathogens.
What does the Rhesus factor (Rh) determine?
If blood is Rh+ (has antigen) or Rh- (lacks antigen).
Why is blood type matching important in transfusions?
If mismatched, the immune system attacks foreign antigens, causing clotting.
