What does whole blood consist of?

Answer 1

Blood is composed of: Red cells:are relatively large microscopic cells without nuclei. In this latter trait, they are similar to the primitive prokaryotic cells of bacteria. Red cells normally make up 40-50% of the total blood volume. They transport oxygen from the lungs to all of the living tissues of the body and carry away carbon dioxide. The red cells are produced continuously in our bone marrow from stem cells at a rate of about 2-3 million cells per second. Hemoglobin is the gas transporting proteins molecule that makes up 95% of a red cell. Each red cell has about 270,000,000 iron-rich hemoglobin molecules. People who are anemic generally have a deficiency in red cells. The red color of blood is primarily due to oxygenated red cells. White cells: or leukocytes , exist in variable numbers and types but make up a very small part of blood's volume--normally only about 1%. Leukocytes are not limited to blood. They occur elsewhere in the body as well, most notably in the spleen, liver, and lymph glands. Most are produced in our bone marrow from the same kind of stem cells that produce red blood cells. Others are produced in the thymus gland, which is at the base of the neck. Some white cells (called lymphocytes ) are the first responders for our immune system. They seek out, identify, and bind to alien protein on bacteria,viruses and fungi so that they can be removed. Other white cells (called granulocytes and macrophages ) then arrive to surround and destroy the alien cells. They also have the function of getting rid of dead or dying blood cells as well as foreign matter such as dust and asbestos. Red cells remain viable for only about 4 months before they are removed from the blood and their components recycled in the spleen. Individual white cells usually only last 18-36 hours before they also are removed, though some types live as much as a year. The description of white cells presented here is a simplification. There are actually many specialized sub-types of them that participate in different ways in our immune responses. Platelets: Platelets , or thrombocytes, are cell fragments without nuclei that release blood clotting chemicals at the site of wounds. They do this by adhering to the walls of blood vessels, thereby plugging the rupture in the vascular wall. They also can release coagulating chemicals which cause clots to form in the blood that can plug up narrowed blood vessels. There are more than a dozen types of blood clotting factors and platelets that need to interact in the blood clotting process. Recent research has shown that platelets help fight infections by releasing proteins that kill invading bacteria and some other microorganisms. In addition, platelets stimulate the immune system. Individual platelets are about 1/3 the size of red cells. They have a lifespan of 9-10 days. Like the red and white blood cells, platelets are produced in bone marrow from stem cells. Plasma: Plasma is the relatively clear liquid water (92+%), sugar, fat, protein and salt solution which carries the red cells, white cells, platelets, and some other chemicals. Normally, 55% of our blood's volume is made up of plasma. About 95% of it consists of water. As the heart pumps blood to cells throughout the body, plasma brings nourishment to them and removes the waste products of metabolism. Plasma also contains blood clotting factors, sugars, lipids, vitamins, minerals,hormones,enzymes,antibodies and other proteins It is likely that plasma contains some of every protein produced by the body--approximately 500 have been identified in human plasma so far. Bibliography: http://anthro.palomar.edu/blood/blood_components.htm

Answer 2

blood is a complex tissue that consists of different types of cells suspended in a watery solution...red blood cells

white blood cells

platelets

plasma

Answer 3

Whole blood is pumped by the heart and travels through miles of blood vessels to every part of the body. It is a highly specialized liquid that circulates throughout the body and has these primary functions. It contains:

• • Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to cells.
  • White blood cells help prevent disease and strengthen immunity.
  • Blood platelets allow blood to clot and stop the body from bleeding when cut or during surgery.
  • Plasma, which is the largest component of blood, and is rich in proteins used to manufacture therapies for individuals with rare, chronic, primarily genetic diseases and disorders.

Answer 4

i think...plasma,whiteblood cells and redblood cells

Answer 5

Cells and plasma