Chapter 5: Blood and Lymphatic Basics

blood

red liquid that circulates through the arteries and veins in your circulatory system or cardiovascular system; living tissue composed of different cells that perform vital function.

functions

carries life-sustaining oxygen to all the tissues of your body and removes carbon dioxide, a waste product that takes the form of a colorless odorless gas.

red blood cells; RBC; erythrocytes

carries oxygen from lungs to cells, tissues, and organs through the body; removes carbon dioxide to prevent a buildup of waste in body tissue; vital to the continued functioning of the body.

white blood cells; WBC; leukocytes

defends your body against infection and disease

platelets; PLT; thrombocytes

when you get a cut or wound, platelets help your blood to clot

lymphatic system

protects the body from pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, toxins, allergens, and cancerous cells