Composition and Functions of Blood

Composition and Functions of Blood

Composition and Functions of Blood

On this page

Composition and Functions of Blood - Vital River Ride

  • General Functions: 📌 T-R-P (Transport, Regulation, Protection).
  • Physical Characteristics:
    • Volume: 5-6 L (male), 4-5 L (female).
    • pH: $7.35-7.45$.
    • Viscosity: 3-5 times that of water.
    • Specific Gravity: Whole blood 1.052-1.061.
  • Components Overview:
    • Plasma: ~55% (water, proteins, solutes).
    • Formed Elements: ~45% (RBCs, WBCs, Platelets). Blood composition after centrifugation

⭐ Blood is a specialized fluid connective tissue.

Composition and Functions of Blood - Protein Punch Plasma

Plasma: The fluid matrix of blood.

  • Composition:
    • Water: ~90-92%
    • Proteins: 6-8 g/dL 📌 Mnemonic: All Good Fighters (Albumin, Globulins, Fibrinogen)
    • Other solutes: Electrolytes (e.g., $Na^+$, $K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Cl^-$), nutrients (glucose, amino acids), gases ($O_2$, $CO_2$), waste products (urea), hormones.

Plasma Proteins:

ProteinConc. (g/dL)Key Functions
Albumin3.5-5Maintains colloid osmotic pressure (COP); transport (bilirubin, fatty acids, drugs)
Globulins (α,β,γ)2.0-3.5α,β: Transport (hormones, lipids), enzymes, clotting factors; γ: Antibodies (immunity)
Fibrinogen0.2-0.45Blood clotting (precursor to fibrin)

Composition and Functions of Blood - Oxygen's Express RBCs

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes):

  • Structure: Biconcave disc (↑ surface area for O2 exchange), anucleate, flexible for capillary passage. Diameter: ~7.2 µm.
  • Count: 4.5-5.5 million/µL. Lifespan: ~120 days.
  • Hemoglobin (Hb): Carries O2 & CO2. Levels: 13-17 g/dL (M), 12-15 g/dL (F).
  • Fate: Phagocytosed (spleen/liver). Hb: Iron recycled, Heme → Bilirubin (excreted in bile).

Erythropoiesis (RBC Formation):

  • Site: Red bone marrow (adults).
  • Stages: Proerythroblast → Reticulocyte → Erythrocyte (details in flowchart).
  • Regulation: Erythropoietin (EPO) from kidneys (stimulus: hypoxia).
  • Requirements: Iron, Vitamin B12, Folic acid. 📌 Mnemonic: "Iron Brew For Energy".

Erythropoiesis stages from HSC to erythrocyte

⭐ Reticulocyte count (normal: 0.5-2.5% of RBCs) is a key indicator of bone marrow erythropoietic activity.

Composition and Functions of Blood - Bodyguard Brigade WBCs & Platelets

  • White Blood Cells (WBCs / Leukocytes): Body's defense. Normal Total Leukocyte Count (TLC): 4,000-11,000/µL.

    • 📌 Mnemonic for abundance: Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils).
    • Types & Key Functions:
      WBC Type% of TLCKey Function(s)
      Granulocytes
      Neutrophils40-70%Phagocytosis, acute inflammation (first responders)
      Eosinophils1-4%Allergic reactions, parasitic infections (helminths)
      Basophils0.5-1%Release histamine & heparin; mediate hypersensitivity reactions
      Agranulocytes
      Lymphocytes20-40%Specific immunity: T cells (cell-mediated), B cells (antibodies), NK cells (cytotoxic)
      Monocytes2-8%Differentiate into macrophages; phagocytosis, antigen presentation (chronic inflammation)

    ⭐ A 'left shift' in Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) refers to an ↑ in immature neutrophils (band forms), often indicating acute bacterial infection.

  • Platelets (Thrombocytes):

    • Origin: Megakaryocytes in bone marrow.
    • Structure: Small, anucleate cell fragments.
    • Function: Hemostasis (blood clotting) - form platelet plug.
    • Normal count: 1.5-4.5 lakhs/µL.

Types of Blood Cells

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Blood volume is 7-8% body weight; plasma is 55%, formed elements 45%.
  • Albumin: main plasma protein, maintains oncotic pressure; globulins for immunity.
  • RBCs: O2 transport (Hb), anucleated, 120-day lifespan.
  • Neutrophils: most numerous WBCs, key in acute inflammation & phagocytosis.
  • Platelets (thrombocytes): crucial for primary hemostasis & clotting.
  • Serum = Plasma - Fibrinogen & clotting factors.
  • Key blood functions: Transport (gases, nutrients), Regulation (pH, temp), Protection (immunity, clotting).

Practice Questions: Composition and Functions of Blood

Test your understanding with these related questions

The body fluid compartments of a patient were measured, showing the following ion concentrations: - Sodium (Na): $10 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}$ - Potassium (K): $140 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}$ - Chloride (Cl): $15 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}$ Based on these values, which fluid compartment is being described?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Composition and Functions of Blood

1/10

What is the formula for calculating Blood volume from Plasma volume and hematocrit?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What is the formula for calculating Blood volume from Plasma volume and hematocrit?_____

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial