Blood is essential for life. It transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones and cell waste products throughout our body. The average adult has around 5 liters of blood pumping through their circulatory system every minute to keep our organs functioning effectively. But what exactly does blood consist of and what is its composition?
Red Blood Cells: The Oxygen Carriers
Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, make up around 45% of blood by volume. Their main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and remove carbon dioxide. Red blood cells are tiny biconcave discs that lack nuclei and give Blood and Blood Components its red color due to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that binds with oxygen in the lungs and releases it where needed in tissues. A shortage of red blood cells is called anemia.
White Blood Cells: The Immune Warriors
White blood cells or leukocytes make up around 1% of blood. They play a crucial role in protecting the body against infection and diseases. There are several types of white blood cells including lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes. Lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight pathogens, while neutrophils engulf and destroy invading microbes. Eosinophils and basophils help defend against allergies and parasites. Monocytes transform into macrophages to remove dead or damaged cells in tissues.
Platelets: The Clotting Cargo
Platelets or thrombocytes constitute another part of blood at around 25% by volume. Although not true cells, they play an essential role in hemostasis or stopping bleeding. When the lining of a blood vessel is damaged, platelets stick to the injured area and activate the clotting cascade by secreting chemicals, finally forming a clot to seal the break. Too few platelets can lead to excessive bleeding disorders.
Plasma: The Liquid Matrix
The remaining 55% of blood by volume is plasma, a liquid extracellular matrix with 92% water. It acts as a transport medium for blood cells and helps maintain homeostasis. Plasma contains proteins like albumin, globulins, clotting factors and dissolved gasses. It maintains acid-base and electrolyte balance while transporting nutrients, hormones, waste products, vitamins and minerals between tissues and organs.
Blood Types and Compatibility
Blood exhibits different antigen properties defined by the ABO blood group system involving A, B, AB or O types. The Rhesus (Rh) factor is also important. Only compatible blood types can be transfused, else the recipient's immune system may initiate an adverse reaction and hemolysis. A and B groups along with O negative are the most commonly required types during transfusions needing compatibility. Blood banks aim to ensure availability of all blood types when needed.
Blood Component Therapy
Whole blood can be separated into its components like red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma useful for targeted replacement therapy. For example, anemia patients may only require red cells while those with clotting disorders may need specific clotting factors from plasma. This improves inventory management and prevents unnecessary exposure to other components. Therapies involving just the required components reduce risks and improve outcomes for patients with specific deficiencies.
In blood is a specialized bodily fluid consisting of various cellular components like red cells, white cells and platelets suspended in plasma. It flows in a closed double circulatory system, delivers oxygen and nutrients where required while removing waste. Understanding blood types and their properties aids compatible transfusions. Targeted blood component therapy has evolved clinical practice improving patient safety. Overall, blood plays a pivotal role in sustaining life and health within our bodies.
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