Lecture Notes: Components of Blood

Introduction

• Discussing components of blood
• Demonstration with a vial (simulated) of blood
• Blood contains many components: cells, platelets, hormones, salts, waste, oxygen, nutrients

Separation of Blood Components

• Blood appears uniform but can be separated via centrifuge:
  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Bottom layer
  • White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets: Middle layer (Buffy coat)
  • Blood Plasma: Top layer

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

• Appearance: Resemble Werther's original candy or a filled donut
• Function: Transport oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Protein Involved: Hemoglobin binds to O2 and CO2
• Volume: Make up 45% of total blood volume

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

• Function: Fight off bacteria, viruses, and pathogens
• Types: Five different kinds, all are part of the immune response
• Quantity: Fewer than RBCs, but larger in size

Platelets

• Role: Assist with blood clotting
• Characteristics: Not full cells, smaller than RBCs
• Action: Form clots with RBCs and fibrinogen to block openings and prevent bleeding

Blood Plasma

• Composition: 90% water, 10% dissolved substances
• Proteins in Plasma:
  • Albumins: Pull water, maintain blood pressure, and aid in water retention
  • Globulins: Antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses, produced by B lymphocytes
  • Fibrinogens: Form fibrin to aid in clot formation

Other Components in Plasma

• Salts: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine
• Nutrients: Proteins, fatty acids, sugars
• Hormones: Transmitted through the bloodstream
• Waste: Transported to kidneys for removal

Recap

• Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): 45% of blood, transport O2 and CO2
• White Blood Cells: Immune cells, fight infections
• Platelets (Thrombocytes): Aid in clotting
• Blood Plasma: 55% of blood, mostly water with proteins, nutrients, and waste
• Proteins: Albumins, globulins, fibrinogens
• Other Functions: Transport salts, nutrients, hormones, and waste

Additional Notes

• Clotting is generally beneficial to prevent excessive bleeding
• The lecture concludes with a humorous remark about vampires and the simulated nature of the blood sample used in the lecture.