Blood Vessels and The Parts of Blood
Three Types of Blood Vessels Arteries Capillaries Veins
Arteries Carry blood AWAY from the heart Walls are thick- must be able to handle PRESSURE of blood from the heart Composed of 3 layers: Connective Tissue Smooth Muscle Epithelial Cells
Capillaries Exchange materials between the blood and the body cells (oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.) Single layer of epithelial cells to allow for easy exchange
Veins Carry blood BACK to the heart 3 things help blood move through veins: – Contraction of skeletal muscles – Breathing – Valves Same structure as an artery (but not as thick) Composed of 3 layers: Connective Tissue Smooth Muscle Epithelial Cells
Parts of the Blood Plasma Red Blood Cells White Blood Cells Platelets
Plasma Liquid part of the blood 90% water
Red Blood Cells Take up oxygen in the lungs and deliver it to the body Made mostly of HEMOGLOBIN – Binds chemically to the oxygen
White Blood Cells Disease fighters Live fro months or even years
Platelets Cell fragments, work to form blood clots Produces fibrin: – Chemical that weaves a net of fibers on a cut – Net catches blood cells which build up into a blood clot