What is the reference for blood is a blood fluid with specific functions. Give examples of the functions of blood in the animal body and explain how the animal body defends itself by against changes in H+ ion concentration.

What was the references of these?

Blood indeed is a critical fluid within the bodies of animals, including humans. It carries out several essential functions:

1. **Transportation**: Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. It also transports nutrients from the digestive system to cells and carries waste products to the liver, kidneys, and lungs for detoxification and removal.

2. **Regulation**: Blood helps in regulating body temperature by distributing heat throughout the body. It also helps in the regulation of pH in the body and maintains fluid balance by transferring water and ions to and from tissues.

3. **Protection**: Blood plays a key role in immune function. It contains white blood cells that can detect and respond to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Blood also carries antibodies and other proteins that help the body to fend off infections. Additionally, the clotting of blood prevents excessive blood loss when injuries occur.

The body has several mechanisms to defend against changes in hydrogen ion (H+) concentration to maintain a relatively stable blood pH around 7.35–7.45, which is essential for optimal cellular function. This homeostasis is maintained primarily through the following systems:

- **Buffers**: Blood contains bicarbonate, proteins, and phosphate, which act as buffers to quickly soak up excess H+ ions to prevent rapid changes in pH.

- **Respiratory System**: By increasing or decreasing the rate and depth of respiration, the lungs can expel more carbon dioxide (which in water forms carbonic acid, releasing H+ ions) or retain it to raise or lower the blood pH within minutes.

- **Renal System**: The kidneys regulate blood pH over a period of hours to days by selectively excreting H+ ions or bicarbonate in the urine and by generating new bicarbonate ions that are returned to the blood.

For references, information about blood functions is typically found in anatomy and physiology textbooks or peer-reviewed articles on cardiovascular and hematological sciences. For more specific and advanced understanding, research papers and journal articles might be referenced. Some standard textbooks include:

- "Human Anatomy & Physiology" by Elaine N. Marieb and Katja hn.
- "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology" by John E. Hall.

For the latest research and more detailed information, scientific journals such as "Blood," "The Journal of Physiology," and "American Journal of Physiology" are good resources.

Remember to consult the latest edition of any textbook for the most up-to-date information, and use peer-reviewed journal articles for the most recent scientific research findings.