BLOOD

Blood: Females have 4-5 liters. Males have 5-6 liters. Makes up 8% of total body weight.

Functions of Blood Transports: gases, nutrients and wastes. Transports: hormones, enzymes and processed molecules. Regulates pH Maintains body temp. Protects against foreign substances. Clot formation

Blood is composed of: Plasma Formed elements Liquid portion Pale yellow. 91% water, 7% proteins Serum is plasma without clotting agents. Formed elements Cells and cell fragments Red blood cells (RBCs) White blood cells (WBCs) Platelets

Hematopoiesis The process of blood cell production. This process occurs in the red bone marrow. Some WBCs are produced in the lymphatic tissues. All blood cells arise from stem cells (hemocytoblasts).

Red Blood Cells Concave Disk. Live for about 110-120 days. No nucleus. Transports O2 and CO2 Contains hemoglobin Transports O2 Gives blood red color

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) Spherical cells 5 Types with specific functions Neutrophils: Digest microorganisms. Basophils: Release histamine Eosinophils: Reduce inflammation, attack parasites. Lymphocytes: Produce antibodies. Monocytes: Become macrophages, destroy bacteria, dead cells, cell fragments.

Platelets (Thrombocytes) Cell fragments surrounded by plasma membrane. Forms platelet plugs (seal holes in vessels) Aids in clotting.

Blood Grouping: ABO A B AB (Universal Receiver) O (Universal Donor)

Terms to know: Donor: Gives blood Recipient: Receives blood Transfusion: Transfer of blood or its components from 1 individual to another. Infusion: Introduction of fluid other than blood (ex. Saline)

Anemia A deficiency of normal hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in a decreased number of RBCs.

Sickle-Cell Anemia A genetic trait due to a change in ONE nucleotide in the DNA sequence that leads to a change in ONE amino acid that changes how the hemoglobin protein folds. This change in the structure of the hemoglobin protein leads to a change in the shape of the red blood cell to a sickle shape. Found in people of African descent.

Leukemia Cancer in which abnormal production of WBCs occurs.