1. Blood Cells (Extended Study) HL only

2. First revise 3.2.2 (Basic details about blood and blood cells) HL & OL

3. Learning objectives 1. Details of red blood cell structure &function
Details of two types of white blood cells
(a) Lymphocytes
(b) Monocytes

4. Composition of Blood Plasma Liquid part of the blood Red Blood Cells
White Blood Cells
Platelets

5. Functions of blood parts
Plasma
Composed of mainly water which acts as a transport medium for the cells and dissolved substances
Carry Oxygen
Red Blood Cells
Fight Infection
White Blood Cells
Platelets
Clotting

6. Red Blood Cells Biconcave discs ……gives large surface area No Nucleus
No mitochondria
Contain Haemoglobin…(has a high affinity for oxygen)
Flexible Cell membranes
Made in bone marrow of ribs & sternum

7. White Blood Cells 1. Lymphocytes Produce antibodies 2. Monocytes
Have a Nucleus
No definite shape
Formed in bone marrow and mature in spleen
Protect against disease
Two types
1. Lymphocytes
Produce antibodies
2. Monocytes
Engulf microorganisms

8. PLATELETS Cell fragments No nucleus Made in bone marrow
Function in clotting

9. Plasma
Composed of mainly water which as a transport medium for the cells and dissolved substances
Dissolved substances include
Digestion products ….Glucose, amno acids, Fatty acids, glycerol, minerals and vitamins
Waste….Carbon dioxide, urea
Hormones….eg Insulin
Antibodies

10. Learning check
1. List four ways, other than colour, in which red blood cells are different from ordinary body cells
2. Name the chemical in red blood cells that has a high affinity for oxygen
Name two types of white blood cells and give the function of each type

11. See also
Section Organisational Complexity of the Human for introduction to Blood and Circulation

12. End