Biol 277 topic 3 part 1

What system transports blood throughout the body?

Cardiovascular system

Main components of the cardiovascular system

Heart, blood, blood vessels

Primary function of the heart

Pumps blood

What type of tissue is blood?

Fluid connective tissue

What transports blood through the body?

Blood vessels

Three main types of blood vessels

Arteries, veins, capillaries

Which blood vessels are the site of gas exchange?

Capillaries

What is blood composed of?

Formed elements suspended in plasma

What are erythrocytes?

Red blood cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide

Primary function of erythrocytes

Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

What are leukocytes?

White blood cells that protect from pathogens

Primary function of leukocytes

Defense against pathogens

What are platelets?

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting

Primary function of platelets

Prevent blood loss

What is plasma?

The fluid portion of blood

What does plasma contain?

Plasma proteins and dissolved solutes

Primary transport functions of blood

Oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, nutrients, wastes, molecules, ions

How does blood help regulate body temperature?

Absorbs and redistributes heat

How does blood help regulate body pH?

Chemical buffers bind or release hydrogen ions

How does blood contribute to fluid balance?

Constant fluid exchange between plasma, capillaries, and interstitial fluid

How does blood gain water from the digestive tract?

Water absorbed into blood in the gastrointestinal tract

How do proteins and ions affect fluid movement?

They exert osmotic pressure

How does osmotic pressure affect blood volume?

Pulls fluid back into the bloodstream

Protective functions of blood

Leukocyte immune defense and platelet clotting