A) blood introduction, characteristics, hematocrit, blood smear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrfZbNzipeM

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds, or separates other tissues; blood is a fluid form.

Plasma

The liquid matrix of blood, composed mostly of water, proteins, and dissolved substances.

Formed Elements

The cellular components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Viscosity

Thickness or resistance to flow; blood is more viscous than water.

pH

Measure of acidity; blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35–7.45.

Hematocrit

Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Oxygenation

Refers to the oxygen content of blood; affects its color (bright red vs. dark red).

Transport

Movement of gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste via blood.

Regulation

Maintenance of pH, temperature, and fluid balance.

Protection

Immune defense and clotting mechanisms to prevent blood loss and infection.

Peripheral Blood Smear

A lab test that spreads a drop of blood on a slide to examine cell morphology.

Morphology

Study of cell shape, size, and structure under a microscope.

Differential Count

Measurement of the relative percentages of different white blood cell types

Anemia

Condition marked by low red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels.

Leukemia

Cancer of blood-forming tissues, often detected via abnormal smear findings.

functional roles are

transport, regulation, protection