BLOOD Components of

Functions of the Blood The big function of the blood is to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. The blood also plays parts in fighting infection, temperature regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, and maintenance of optimal pH. The big function of the blood is to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. The blood also plays parts in fighting infection, temperature regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, and maintenance of optimal pH.

Blood Components The blood is made up of several different components and types of cells. The blood is made up of several different components and types of cells. The stem cell for all blood cells is the hemocytoblast. The stem cell for all blood cells is the hemocytoblast.

Separating Blood Components Place vials of blood in a centrifuge. Place vials of blood in a centrifuge. Centrifuge spins blood – heavier components move to bottom of vials and lighter components remain on top Centrifuge spins blood – heavier components move to bottom of vials and lighter components remain on top

Composition of Blood

Plasma The liquid portion of the blood. The liquid portion of the blood. Made up mostly of water, but also contains nutrients, electrolytes, hormones and cellular wastes. Made up mostly of water, but also contains nutrients, electrolytes, hormones and cellular wastes. Plasma carries gases as well (oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen). Plasma carries gases as well (oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen). The plasma also contains three proteins which are made by the liver. The plasma also contains three proteins which are made by the liver. Albumin is a large protein which exerts osmotic pressure that pulls fluid into the blood. Albumin is a large protein which exerts osmotic pressure that pulls fluid into the blood. Globulin transports lipid soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and has an antibody role. Globulin transports lipid soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and has an antibody role. Fibrinogen is a necessary protein in blood coagulation. Fibrinogen is a necessary protein in blood coagulation.

Leukocytes a.k.a. White Blood Cells (WBC) a.k.a. White Blood Cells (WBC) There are five types. There are five types. White blood cells are divided into two groups: Granulocytes and agranulocytes. White blood cells are divided into two groups: Granulocytes and agranulocytes. Granulocytes have granules visible inside the cell – little sacs containing enzymes, compounds that digest microorganisms.. Granulocytes have granules visible inside the cell – little sacs containing enzymes, compounds that digest microorganisms.. Agranulocytes have no visible granules. Agranulocytes have no visible granules.

Types of Leukocytes Leukocytes are formed in the red bone marrow. Agranulocytes undergo further development in the lymphatic tissue. Leukocytes are formed in the red bone marrow. Agranulocytes undergo further development in the lymphatic tissue. In order of most to least populous leukocytes: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils (Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas). In order of most to least populous leukocytes: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils (Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas).

Neutorphils The most numerous of the white blood cells, normally making up about 65-70% of the total white blood cell count. The most numerous of the white blood cells, normally making up about 65-70% of the total white blood cell count. Neutrophils are granulo- cytes whose granules do not pick up a predominant color when stained with Wright stain (Neutral). Neutrophils are granulo- cytes whose granules do not pick up a predominant color when stained with Wright stain (Neutral). Neutrophils fuction as phagocytes Neutrophils fuction as phagocytes

Lymphocytes Make up 20-25% white blood cell count, and are easily distinguishable by the large nucleus which takes up almost all of the cell. Make up 20-25% white blood cell count, and are easily distinguishable by the large nucleus which takes up almost all of the cell. Lymphocytes are agranulo-cytes. Lymphocytes are agranulo-cytes. Lymphocytes are involved in immune responses (form anitbodies) and are further differentiated into T-lympho-cytes and B- lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are involved in immune responses (form anitbodies) and are further differentiated into T-lympho-cytes and B- lymphocytes.

Monocytes Large cells with a kidney- shaped nucleus that make up about 4-8% of the total white blood cell population. Large cells with a kidney- shaped nucleus that make up about 4-8% of the total white blood cell population. Monocytes are agranulo- cytes. Monocytes are agranulo- cytes. Monocytes function as phagocytes, and develop into macrophages. Monocytes function as phagocytes, and develop into macrophages.

Eosinophils Granulocytes that stain red with Wright Stain. Granulocytes that stain red with Wright Stain. Nucleus looks like a droopy figure 8. Nucleus looks like a droopy figure 8. Eosinophils are involved in dissolving clots and also function in allergic reactions. Eosinophils are involved in dissolving clots and also function in allergic reactions. Make up 2-5% of white blood cells Make up 2-5% of white blood cells

Basophils Granulocytes that stain blue with Wright Stain. Granulocytes that stain blue with Wright Stain. Basophils make up the smallest portion of the total white blood cells %. Basophils make up the smallest portion of the total white blood cells %. They release heparin and later develop into mast cells which are involved in the inflammatory response. They release heparin and later develop into mast cells which are involved in the inflammatory response. Basophils also release serotonin. Basophils also release serotonin.

Thrombocytes a.k.a. Platelets a.k.a. Platelets Thrombocytes are actually fragments of cells. Thrombocytes are actually fragments of cells. They are formed in the red bone marrrow and live about 10 days. They are formed in the red bone marrrow and live about 10 days. Thrombocytes function in clotting. Thrombocytes function in clotting.

Erythrocytes a.k.a. Red Blood Cells (RBC) a.k.a. Red Blood Cells (RBC) biconcave disks that lack a nucleus biconcave disks that lack a nucleus Each red blood cell contains Hemoglobin Each red blood cell contains Hemoglobin The iron in the hemoglobin molecule forms complexes with oxygen which allows the blood cell to transport the oxygen to the tissues. The iron in the hemoglobin molecule forms complexes with oxygen which allows the blood cell to transport the oxygen to the tissues.

Erythrocytes live about 120 days before being destroyed in the liver and spleen. Erythrocytes live about 120 days before being destroyed in the liver and spleen. The iron in the red blood cells is conserved and recycled. The iron in the red blood cells is conserved and recycled. Formation: Formed by a process called erythropoiesis. Formation: Formed by a process called erythropoiesis. Erythropoietin is a hormone released by the kidneys and liver which stimulates the differentiation of stem cells into proerythro- blasts. Erythropoietin is a hormone released by the kidneys and liver which stimulates the differentiation of stem cells into proerythro- blasts. The formation of red blood cells take place in the red bone marrow. The formation of red blood cells take place in the red bone marrow. This hormone release is controlled by a negative feedback cycle driven by low oxygen concentrations (hypoxia). This hormone release is controlled by a negative feedback cycle driven by low oxygen concentrations (hypoxia).

Comparing Blood Cells

Specifics