Biology - Blood

Plasma

the liquid part of blood

Plasma Contents

90% water, 7% proteins, 3% dissolved materials that are being transported

Function of Plasma

to transport dissolved materials such as glucose, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, salts, carbon dioxide, urea, and hormones

Serum

plasma from which the clotting proteins have been removed

Erythrocyte

another name for a red blood cell

Red Blood Cells

• are made in bone marrow

• contain haemoglobin

• carry oxygen

• are broken down in the liver and spleen

Features of Red Blood Cells

• have no nuclei

• have no mitochondria

• have a biconcave shape

Haemoglobin

is broken down to form bile

Leucocyte

another name for a white blood cell

White Blood Cells

• have no definite shape

• have a nucleus

• are bigger than red cells but less numerous

• defend the body against infection

Lymphocytes

(a category of white blood cells)

• made in bone marrow

• found in the lymphatic system

• make antibodies

Monocytes

(a category of white blood cells)

• made in bone marrow

• engulf bacteria

Thrombocytes

another name for platelets

Platelets

• are cell fragments

• are formed in bone marrow

Function of Platelets

help to clot the blood

Human Blood Groups

O, A, B, AB

Rhesus Positive

people who have the Rhesus chemical on their red blood cells

Rhesus Negative

people who do not have the Rhesus chemical on their red blood cells

Haemoglobin

gains oxygen in the lungs, forming oxyhaemoglobin

Oxyhaemoglobin

loses oxygen to body cells, forming haemoglobin