9 Health - 'The Human Blood'

pgs. 91-96

What is blood?

A vitally important fluid that transports substances around the body.

What are the functions of blood?

• Supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues and cells

• Protecting our bodies from harmful invaders, like germs and bacteria

• Removing waste

• Transporting hormones throughout the body

• Regulating and controlling body temperature

What are the four most important components of the blood?

• Red blood cells

• White blood cells

• Platelets

• Plasma

What is plasma?

The liquid part of the blood that allows solid substances, such as digested molecules, to travel around the body.

What percentage of the blood does plasma make up?

55%.

What is the job of the red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

To transport oxygen around the body.

What percentage of the blood do red blood cells make up?

43%

What are the features of the red blood cell?

• Contains hemoglobin (which is made of the mineral iron)

• Has a bi-concave disc shape

• Does not have a nucleus

• Made in the bone marrow

What does hemoglobin do?

This gives the blood its red color and allows oxygen to bind or stick to the red blood cell.

What does the red blood cell having a bi-concave disc shape do?

This increases surface area and allows the cell to carry more oxygen around the body.

What are the disorders of the red blood cell?

• Simple Anemia

• Sickle Cell Anemia

What is simple anemia?

A disorder caused by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin production due to the lack of iron in the blood.

What is sickle cell anemia?

An inherited disorder in which the red blood cell has an abnormal crescent or sickle shape. Because the cells do not have a normal shape, they cannot absorb and transport sufficient oxygen. Additionally, they cannot move through blood vessels easily and often become stuck, which can cause a blockage in blood flow.

What is the job of the white blood cells?

To fight and kill germs, diseases, bacteria, and any harmful agent that enters the body.

What percentage of the blood do white blood cells make up?

2%

What are the features of a white blood cell?

• Has a nucleus

• Colorless

• Has an irregular shape (shape changes)

• Made in the bone marrow and by the lymphatic system

What are the types of white blood cells?

Phagocytes and Lymphocytes.

Describe Phagocytes.

These cells are produced in the bone marrow and act like amoebae and ingest or eat germs in a process known as phagocytosis.

Describe Lymphocytes.

These cells are made in the lymph nodes of the lymphatic system, they produce anti-bodies which are toxins or poisons that weaken and destroy germs.

What is Leukemia?

A cancer of blood cells in which abnormal white blood cells attack and kill healthy cells.

What is the job of platelets (thrombocytes)?

To clot the blood.

What percentage of the blood do platelets make up?

Less than 2%.

Why is clotting an important process?

• Prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels

• Prevents entry of germs through damaged skin

What is Hemophilia?

This occurs when the blood lacks sufficient blood clotting factors and loses its ability to clot or does not clot normally.

What is a blood transfusion?

A safe, common procedure in which blood or blood products from one person (donor) are given to another person (recipient) through an intravenous (IV) line in one of the veins, usually in the arm.

What are the four main blood groups?

• Type A

• Type B

• Type AB

• Type O

What is the universal recipient?

Blood type AB.

What is the universal donor?

Blood type O.

Blood Type A (DONOR)

• A - YES

• B - NO

• AB - YES

• O - NO

Blood Type B (DONOR)

• A - NO

• B - YES

• AB - YES

• O - NO

Blood Type AB (DONOR)

• A - NO

• B - NO

• AB - YES

• O - NO

Blood Type O (DONOR)

• A - YES

• B - YES

• AB - YES

• O - YES