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

Previous problemNext problem

1:32 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

List the three major categories of formed elements
Which is least numerous?
Which comprise(s) the buffy coat in a hematocrit tube?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the three major categories of formed elements in blood: erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and thrombocytes (platelets). These are the cellular components of blood.

Determine which of these formed elements is the least numerous. Leukocytes (white blood cells) are the least numerous compared to erythrocytes and thrombocytes. Erythrocytes are the most abundant, followed by thrombocytes.

Understand the composition of the buffy coat in a hematocrit tube. The buffy coat is the thin, whitish layer that forms between the plasma and the erythrocytes after centrifugation of blood. It contains leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets).

Explain why the buffy coat is important. It represents the immune cells (leukocytes) and clotting components (thrombocytes) of the blood, which are critical for defense and hemostasis.

Summarize the findings: The three major categories of formed elements are erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes. Leukocytes are the least numerous, and the buffy coat in a hematocrit tube is composed of leukocytes and thrombocytes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Formed Elements of Blood

Formed elements are the cellular components of blood, which include red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). These elements play crucial roles in oxygen transport, immune response, and blood clotting, respectively. Understanding their functions and proportions is essential for analyzing blood composition.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a laboratory measurement that determines the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It is typically expressed as a percentage and is used to assess conditions like anemia or polycythemia. The hematocrit tube separates blood into layers, with the buffy coat appearing between the plasma and red blood cells, containing white blood cells and platelets.

Buffy Coat

The buffy coat is a thin layer of white blood cells and platelets that forms between the plasma and red blood cells when blood is centrifuged. It is typically a small volume compared to the other components and is crucial for immune function. The buffy coat is significant in clinical diagnostics, as it can provide insights into the immune status and overall health of an individual.