What is blood -Topic 1

Question 1

What is blood

Answer 1

A red liquid that is made up of four parts called

• Red blood cells
• platelets
• White blood cells
• and plasma

Question 2

What are red blood cells

Answer 2

Are very small and have no nucleus.
Are biconcave in shape, giving a large surface area: volume ratio
Contain an iron pigment called haemoglobin which can pick up oxygen.
When oxygen combines with haemoglobin it forms oxyhaemoglobin which is bright red. When oxygen is released to the tissues it turns purple/red

Question 3

What White blood cells

Answer 3

Are slightly larger than red blood cells
Are concerned with protecting the body
They are able to detect bacteria and then destroy them before they harm the body Phagocytosis is when they engulf the bacteria to destroy.Produce antibodies. These protect us from infection. They work by making the bacteria cells stick together so that it is easier to kill them and some others release toxins which neutralize the poison released by the bacteria.
Phagocytosis is when they engulf the bacteria to destroy.

Question 4

What are platelets

Answer 4

Are tiny cell fragments
Are carried around in the blood and usually do nothing
If the blood is exposed to the air in a cut the platelets help to form a network of fibres at the cut, called a clot.
This prevents blood being lost from the cut and stops bacteria and dirt getting in.
The clot hardens to a scab. This keeps the wound clean while new skin grows

Question 5

What is plasma

Answer 5

The glue that holds everything together.