Delivers needed substances to cells
Carries wastes away from cells
Helps regulate body temperature
Blood contains cells that fight disease
Plasma: The liquid part of blood. Water makes up 90 percent of plasma. The other 10 percent is dissolved materials. It carries nutrients and carries away most of the carbon dioxide and many other wastes cell processes produce. Appears yellow because of protein molecules.
Red Blood Cells: Take up oxygen in the lungs and deliver it to cells throughout the body. They are produce in bone marrow, and is made out of hemoglobin. They have no nuclei, so they cannot repair or reproduce itself. It is red and resembles a cough drop
White Blood Cells: The body’s disease fighters. Some of them recognize disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria, and alerts the body to the invasion. Others produce chemicals to fight the invaders. Still others can still surround and kill the organism. Is produced in the bone marrow. It looks white and spiky.
Platelets: Are cell fragments that help form blood clots. When a blood vessel is cut, platelets collect and stick to the vessel at the site of the wound. Platelets release chemicals that release a protein called fibrin. It looks tiny pink raisins.