Blood Constituents

Characteristics Human - about 5-6 L man, 4-5 L woman Consists of – plasma (fluid), about 55% - formed (solid) elements about 45% 1) Red blood cells 2) White blood cells 3) Platelets

Results of Centrifugation (formed elements collect at bottom) (55%) Formed Elements (45%)

FUNCTIONS of PLASMA Yellowish tint, liquid 90 % water Transports blood’s soluble and formed elements Ex. nutrients, antibodies, hormones, proteins, cellular waste etc.

Red Blood Cells

Functions of RBC`s Transports carbon dioxide Hemoglobin (in Red Blood Cells) transport of oxygen

WBC`s (White Blood Cells) defense against disease. -neutralize antigens (bacteria, viruses, harmful foreign elements) - rid body of debris, dead or damaged cells

Platelets

Functions of Platelets Irregular fragments of cells(not really cells) Help in blood-clotting

Anemia Disease- lack of oxygen 3 causes: 1. not enough RBC’s 2. not enough hemoglobin in RBC’s 3. Abnormally formed hemoglobin