B2 - The Blood

What are the four main components of blood?

Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

What is blood plasma?

The liquid part of the blood

What does plasma transport from the small intestine to other organs?

Soluble digestion products such as glucose

What does plasma transport from body cells to the lungs?

Carbon dioxide

Where is carbon dioxide produced in the body?

During aerobic respiration in body cells

What does plasma transport from the liver to the kidneys?

Urea

Why is urea transported to the kidneys?

To be excreted in urine

What is the main function of red blood cells?

To transport oxygen from the lungs to body cells

What is formed when haemoglobin combines with oxygen?

Oxyhaemoglobin

Where does oxyhemoglobin release oxygen?

In the body cells/organs

Why do red blood cells not have a nucleus?

To allow more space for haemoglobin

What is the shape of a red blood cell?

Biconcave disc

Why is the biconcave shape of red blood cells important?

It increases the surface area for faster diffusion of oxygen

What is the main function of white blood cells?

To defend the body as part of the immune system

What are two key roles of white blood cells?

Producing antibodies and destroying pathogens

Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

Yes

Why is the nucleus important in white blood cells?

It contains DNA that carries instructions for the immune response

What are platelets?

Tiny fragments of cells found in the blood

What is the main function of platelets?

To help the blood clot

Why is blood clotting important?

It prevents excessive bleeding and entry of microorganisms

What are three uses of donated blood in medicine?

Replacing lost blood during injury, providing platelets for clotting, and extracting useful proteins like antibodies

What is a risk of blood transfusion if the blood type is not matched?

The immune system may reject the blood, which can be fatal

Why must blood types be matched during transfusion?

To prevent immune reactions

What is another risk of using donated blood?

Transmission of infections

How is the risk of infection from blood products reduced in the UK?

All donated blood is screened for infections

Name three useful products that can be extracted from donated blood.

Red blood cells, platelets, and antibodies/proteins

What does haemoglobin bind with in the lungs?

Oxygen

What does haemoglobin form when it binds with oxygen?

Oxyhemoglobin

What happens to oxyhemoglobin in the organs?

It releases oxygen for cells to use

Where is urea produced?

In the liver

How is urea removed from the body?

Through the kidneys in urine

How do red blood cells deliver oxygen efficiently?

By having no nucleus, a biconcave shape, and containing hemoglobin

What kind of cells do white blood cells fight?

Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses

What part of the blood transports dissolved substances?

Plasma

What is the main function of the blood?

To transport substances around the body

How do platelets prevent infection?

By forming clots that seal wounds and prevent microbes from entering

Why is it safe to receive blood transfusions in the UK?

Because all blood is carefully screened for infections

What should be matched before a transfusion?

Blood type

Which blood component carries waste products?

Plasma

Which blood component is most involved in fighting infections?

White blood cells

Which blood component has no nucleus and why?

Red blood cells, to make more room for hemoglobin

Which blood component is responsible for transporting glucose?

Plasma

What is one role of the immune system carried out by white blood cells?

Producing antibodies

Why is the shape of red blood cells described as a "biconcave disc"?

It has dimples on both sides for increased surface area

What does the DNA in white blood cells do?

Provides instructions for immune functions like making antibodies

Why is plasma important for transporting carbon dioxide?

It carries CO₂ from cells to the lungs for removal

What process releases carbon dioxide in cells?

Aerobic respiration

What happens if the wrong blood type is transfused?

The immune system attacks the cells and can cause death