The Blood Flashcards
What is the blood plasma and what does it do?
Plasma is a yellow liquid that carries all your blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) suspended in it. It also carries many dissolved substances around your body.
What are red blood cells and what do they do?
It has a biconcave disc structure (it is pushed in on both sides). This specific shape means that it has a higher surface area to volume ration increasing rates of diffusion (for substances like oxygen. They are packed with a pigment called haemoglobin that binds to oxygen. They have no nucleus makins more space for haemoglobin.
What does the bioncave structure in a red blood cell do and why is it important?
In increases surface area to increase rates of diffusion for substances like oxygen.
What is the purpose of haemoglobin?
It is a pigment that binds to oxygen helping the red blood cells transport it.
What are white blood cells and what do they do?
They are the only type of blood cell with a nucleus. They form part of the body’s defence system against harmful microorganisms. Some white blood cells (lymphocytes) form antibodies against microorganisms. Some form antioxins against poisons made by microorganisms. Yet others (phagocytes) engulf and dygest invading bacteria and viruses. In summary they protect your body from infections and diseases.
What are platelets and what do they do?
Platelets are small fragments of cells. They are very important in helping the blood to clot at the site of a wound. Blood clotting is a series of enzyme-controlled reactions that result in converting fibirnogen into fibrin. This produces a network of protein fibres that capture lots of red blood cells and more platelets to form a jelly-like substance that stops you from bleeding to death.
