blood

What are the three primary functions of blood?

Transport, Regulation, Protection.

Transport

The function of blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and removes carbon dioxide.

Regulation

The function of blood that maintains body temperature, pH balance, and fluid balance.

Protection

The function of blood that involves clotting mechanisms and immune defenses.

What does blood transport?

Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and metabolic wastes.

Plasma

The fluid matrix of blood, making up about 55% of its volume.

Formed elements

Components of blood including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, making up about 45% of its volume.

Color of oxygen-rich blood

Scarlet.

Color of oxygen-poor blood

Dark red.

Viscosity of blood

Thicker than water, sticky due to red blood cells.

pH of blood

Slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.35 to 7.45.

Average blood volume in adult

About 5 liters.

Body temperature of blood

Approximately 38°C (100.4°F).

What percentage of body weight does blood account for?

About 8%.

Clotting mechanisms

Prevent blood loss after vessel injury.

Immune defenses

White blood cells, antibodies, and complement proteins fight infection.