What is blood made of?
Blood is composed of multiple components, including plasma and various types of cells. To understand what blood is made of, we will break down each component:
1. Plasma: Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, accounting for approximately 55% of its total volume. It is a yellowish fluid consisting mostly of water, along with proteins, hormones, electrolytes, nutrients, waste products, and gases.
2. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, make up the largest percentage of blood cells. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and removing carbon dioxide. RBCs contain a protein called hemoglobin, which enables them to transport oxygen.
3. White Blood Cells (WBCs): White blood cells, or leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system. They defend the body against infections and diseases by identifying and destroying pathogens. There are different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each type has specific functions within the immune system.
4. Platelets: Platelets, or thrombocytes, are tiny cell fragments that assist in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets are activated and clump together to form a clot, preventing excessive bleeding. Besides clotting, platelets also release substances that aid in healing and repairing damaged blood vessels.
By understanding these components, we can conclude that blood consists of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.