COMPOSITION OF THE BLOOD

Blood

Liquid tissue that serves as the medium of circulation in the body, transporting materials and fighting infections.

Plasma

The liquid part of blood that comprises 55% of blood by weight, consisting of water, blood proteins, and inorganic materials.

Corpuscles

The solid part of blood that comprises 45% of blood by weight, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Erythrocytes that transport gases, especially oxygen, to all parts of the body and are shaped like a biconcave disk.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries and transports oxygen in the blood.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Leukocytes that fight infections, produce antibodies, and engulf foreign bodies.

Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell that has granules in the cytoplasm, including basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils.

Agranulocytes

A type of white blood cell that lacks granules in the cytoplasm, including monocytes and lymphocytes.

Blood Platelets

Amorphous fragments of stem cells in the red bone marrow that play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Blood Groups

Classifications of blood types discovered by Karl Landsteiner, including A, B, AB, and O.

Antigens

Substances found in the red blood cell plasma membrane that determine blood type and induce antibody formation.

Antibodies

Proteins in blood plasma that protect the body by binding to unwanted substances.

Universal Donor

Blood Type O, which can be given to people with blood types A, B, and AB without rejection.

Universal Recipient

Blood Type AB, which can receive blood from any blood type without discrimination.

Rh Factor

A significant blood group system consisting of antigens located in the plasma membrane of red blood cells.

Antigen D

The most significant Rh antigen that triggers the body’s immune response.

Agglutination

The clumping of incompatible blood groups that can clog blood vessels and stop circulation, leading to fatal consequences.

Blood Clotting

The coagulation process that plays a vital role in the repair of blood vessels.

Process of Blood Clotting

1. Injury

2. Blood Vessel Constriction

3. Plate Plug

4. Fibrin Clot