Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

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Problem L2.1

Textbook Question

Explain how blood, being a liquid, enables all its components (formed elements and plasma) to perform their functions.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that blood is a connective tissue composed of two main components: plasma (the liquid portion) and formed elements (cells and cell fragments such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Plasma serves as the medium for transporting substances.

Recognize that the liquid nature of plasma allows it to flow through blood vessels, enabling the efficient transport of nutrients, gases (like oxygen and carbon dioxide), hormones, and waste products to and from tissues throughout the body.

Learn that red blood cells (erythrocytes) are suspended in plasma, and their biconcave shape maximizes surface area for gas exchange. Hemoglobin within red blood cells binds oxygen and carbon dioxide, facilitating their transport.

Understand that white blood cells (leukocytes) use the liquid medium to travel to sites of infection or injury, where they perform immune functions such as engulfing pathogens or producing antibodies.

Recognize that platelets, also suspended in plasma, are essential for blood clotting. When a vessel is damaged, platelets aggregate at the site and interact with clotting factors in the plasma to form a clot, preventing blood loss.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Blood Composition

Blood is composed of two main components: formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and plasma. The formed elements are responsible for various functions such as oxygen transport, immune response, and clotting, while plasma serves as the liquid medium that carries these cells along with nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Fluid Dynamics

As a liquid, blood exhibits fluid dynamics that allow it to flow easily through the circulatory system. This property enables the efficient transport of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products. The viscosity and flow characteristics of blood are crucial for maintaining proper circulation and ensuring that all components can reach their target areas effectively.

Functionality of Plasma

Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating the functions of formed elements. It contains proteins, electrolytes, and other substances that help regulate blood pressure, volume, and pH. Additionally, plasma acts as a transport medium, allowing for the distribution of hormones and nutrients, which is essential for the overall functioning of the body's systems.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Hemoglobin consists of two polypeptide chains bound to a heme group.

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Textbook Question

Erythropoiesis requires stimulation from the hormone:

a. Thrombin

b. Thrombopoietin

c. Thymosin

d. Erythropoietin

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Textbook Question

Erythrocytes are derived from stem cells called____, circulate in the blood for approximately _______ days, and are destroyed by an organ called the _______.

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Textbook Question

Platelets are derived from cells called:

a. Thromboblasts

b. Leukoblasts

c. Megakaryocytes

d. Thrombokaryocytes

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Textbook Question

Suppose your blood is AB positive. This means that:

a. Agglutinogens A and B are present on your red blood cells

b. There are no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in your plasma

c. Your blood is Rh⁺

d. All of the above

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Textbook Question

Cancer patients being treated with chemotherapeutic drugs designed to destroy rapidly dividing cells are monitored closely for changes in their red and white blood counts. Why so?

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Textbook Question

Mr. Chu has been scheduled for surgery to have his arthritic hip replaced. His surgeon tells him he must switch from aspirin to acetaminophen for pain control before his surgery. Why?

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Textbook Question

Which type of antibodies does plasma contain for each of the following blood types?

(a) Type A

(b) Type B

(d) Type O

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