please list out 6 functions of the blood and please write the reference of it
Sure! The blood performs several important functions in our body. Here are six functions, along with a brief explanation and a reference for each:
1. Transportation: Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues and carries carbon dioxide waste from the tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled. It also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Reference: American Society of Hematology. (n.d.). Blood Basics. Retrieved from https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-basics
2. Regulation: Blood helps maintain homeostasis, regulating body temperature by absorbing and distributing heat. It also helps regulate pH levels, ensuring a balanced acidity or alkalinity in the body.
Reference: Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. (n.d.). Blood: Function and Composition. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/blood-function-and-composition/
3. Protection: Blood plays a vital role in the body's defense mechanism. It contains white blood cells that help fight infections, bacteria, and foreign substances by producing antibodies and engulfing pathogens. Platelets help in blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding and sealing wounds.
Reference: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). What Does Blood Do? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/what-does-blood-do
4. Immunity: Blood houses the immune system, which protects the body from harmful microorganisms and other foreign substances. It contains white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which recognize and destroy invading pathogens.
Reference: World Health Organization. (n.d.). Blood Safety and Availability. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blood-safety-and-availability
5. Clotting: One of the most crucial functions of blood is to clot when there is an injury or damage to blood vessels. Clotting factors and platelets work together to form a clot, preventing excessive bleeding and allowing the wound to heal.
Reference: MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Bleeding Disorders. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/bleedingdisorders.html
6. Distribution of hormones: Blood carries hormones secreted by various glands throughout the body, regulating metabolism, growth, and other physiological activities.
Reference: British Society for Haematology. (n.d.). Blood and the Body. Retrieved from https://b-s-h.org.uk/patients/diseases-and-treatments/blood-and-the-body/
Please note that these references provide comprehensive information on blood's functions and physiology, beyond just the specific functions mentioned here.