Blood: Red blood cells, White blood cells, Platelets, & Plasma

Paijar Team

Thu, 19 Sep 2024

Blood is one of the most essential components of the human body, responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It is a specialized bodily fluid that consists of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Plasma, the liquid component of blood, makes up over half of its volume. It is a complex mixture of water, proteins, hormones, electrolytes, and waste products. Plasma serves as a medium for transporting nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from cells in the body.

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are the most abundant cells in the blood. Their primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and gives blood its red color.

White blood cells, or leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for defending the body against infections and foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. White blood cells can be further divided into different types, each with its specific function in the immune response.

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets adhere to the site of injury and release chemicals that help form a clot to stop bleeding. This process, known as hemostasis, is essential for preventing excessive blood loss from wounds.