Blood Basics

The Components of Blood and Their Importance

Plasma

• Liquid component of blood
• Mixture of water, sugar, fat, protein, and salts
• Transports blood cells, nutrients, waste products, antibodies, clotting proteins, hormones, and proteins for fluid balance

Red Blood Cells (RBCs or Erythrocytes)

• Most abundant blood cell (40-45% of blood volume)
• Biconcave disk shape (donut-like)
• Controlled by erythropoietin (EPO) from kidneys
• Develop in bone marrow, mature in 7 days, lifespan of ~120 days
• Lacks nucleus, flexible, but limited lifespan
• Contains hemoglobin for oxygen transport and CO2 return
• Hematocrit: percentage of blood volume composed of RBCs

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

• Account for ~1% of blood
• Key in infection defense
• Main types: Neutrophils and Lymphocytes
  • Neutrophils: First defense line, 55-70% of WBC count, short lifespan
  • Lymphocytes: Includes T cells (attack infected cells/tumors) and B cells (produce antibodies)

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

• Not actual cells; small cell fragments
• Aid in blood clotting (coagulation)
• Gather at injury sites, form clots to prevent bleeding
• Imbalance can cause excessive clotting (risks like strokes) or bleeding

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Tests types and numbers of blood cells: RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
• Measures hematocrit and hemoglobin
• Diagnoses anemia, infection, and other conditions
• Blood smear examines cell appearance and shape

Formation of Blood Cells

• Originates from hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow
• Process: Hematopoiesis, differentiating into RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
• Stem cells found in blood, bone marrow, and umbilical cords
• Treat diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune disorders

Additional Resources

• Links and resources for further information on blood diseases and hematology
• Tools to find hematologists and manage blood health

For more detailed research and imagery, see the original resource at Blood Basics.