The Blood Flashcards
What is blood?
Blood is a tissue which transports substances around the body
What is the job of a red blood cell?
A red blood cell transports oxygen around the body
Why do red blood cells have biconcave shape?
This is so they have a larger surface area for absorbing oxygen
What is the purpose of haemoglobin and what is it?
Haemoglobin is the red pigment which carries the oxygen
Why are red blood cells different to most animal cells?
They have no nucleus
What are white blood cells?
White blood cells defend against microorganisms that cause disease
Name 3 ways which white blood cells defend against microorganisms
They engulf the unwelcome microorganisms,
produce antibodies to fight microorganisms,
Produce antitoxins to neutralise any toxins produced by microorganisms
What are platelets?
Platelets are small fragments of cells which help the blood clot at a wound
What can happen if you have a lack of platelets?
It can cause excessive bleeding and bruising
What is plasma?
Plasma is the pale straw coloured liquid which carries just about everything in your blood
name 3 things that plasma carries
hormones proteins and nutrients like amino acid and glucose
Do white blood cells have a nucleus?
yes they do
