HUMAN BLOOD
Introduction
Composition of Human Blood:
Human blood is composed of several different components, each with a specific function. Plasma, platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells make up the majority of human blood. Let's go into further depth about each of these elements.
Red Blood Cells:
The most numerous cells in human blood are red blood cells, or erythrocytes. They are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs throughout the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, attaches to oxygen in the lungs and releases it into the body's tissues.
Red blood cells have a distinctive shape that makes it easier for them to operate effectively. Since they are biconcave disks, both of their surfaces are concave. With this form, they can fit through small blood veins and have a huge surface area for oxygen exchange.
White Blood Cells:
Platelets:
The microscopic cell fragments known as platelets, or thrombocytes, are essential for the blood clotting process. Platelets collect at the site of a blood vessel injury to form a plug, which aids in halting bleeding.
Additionally, platelets produce substances that help clots form and seal wounds so that no more blood may escape. Even a little wound without platelets might cause considerable blood loss.
Plasma:
Plasma is the liquid component of human blood and accounts for approximately 55% of the total volume of blood. It is a yellowish fluid made up of several nutrients, salts, proteins, and water.
Nutrients, hormones, and waste materials are all transported by plasma throughout the body. Additionally, it keeps the blood's pH balance in check and aids in controlling body temperature.
Functions of Human Blood:
Human blood performs several critical functions that are essential for our survival. Let's discuss some of these functions in detail.
Transportation of Oxygen and Nutrients: One of the primary functions of human blood is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells and tissues throughout the body. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, while plasma carries nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and lipids.
Removal of Waste Products: Human blood also plays a vital role in removing waste products from the body. Red blood cells carry carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by cells during respiration, back to the lungs, where it is exhaled. The liver and kidneys filter out other waste products, such as urea and creatinine, which are then excreted in the urine.
Defense Against Infections and Diseases: White blood cells are responsible for defending the body against infections and diseases. They attack and destroy foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, preventing them from causing harm to the body. Platelets also play a critical role in defending the body by helping to form blood clots, which can prevent excessive bleeding in the event of an injury.
Maintenance of Body Temperature: Human blood also helps to regulate the body's temperature. Blood vessels near the surface of the skin can dilate or constrict in response to changes in temperature, helping to dissipate or conserve heat as needed.
pH Balance: Maintaining the pH balance of the blood is also an essential function of human blood. The pH of the blood must be maintained within a narrow range to ensure that enzymes and other biochemical reactions in the body can function properly.
Blood Production:
The bone marrow, a spongy structure found in the centre of the bones, is where human blood is created. All three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets come from stem cells in the bone marrow.
Numerous hormones and development factors control the intricate process of producing blood cells. The blood is kept in good condition and is still able to operate because the body continuously manufactures new blood cells to replace old or damaged ones.
Blood Groups:
Human blood is classified into different blood groups based on the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The most commonly known blood groups are A, B, AB, and O. These blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B, on the surface of red blood cells.
A person with type A blood has the A antigen on their red blood cells, while a person with type B blood has the B antigen. Those with type AB blood have both antigens, while those with type O blood have neither antigen.
In addition to the A and B antigens, red blood cells also have a third antigen called the Rh factor. People who have this antigen are Rh-positive, while those who do not are Rh-negative.
Blood Transfusions:
A medical procedure called a blood transfusion involves moving blood from one person to another. A number of medical diseases, such as anemia, bleeding disorders, and some forms of cancer, are treated with blood transfusions.
To avoid a potentially fatal response, the blood types of the donor and receiver must match before a blood transfusion. The blood cells from the donor may be attacked by the recipient's immune system if it believes they are alien, leading to a severe response.
Conclusion:
Human blood is a complex fluid that plays a critical role in our physiology. It is in responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen, eliminating waste, fighting off infections and illnesses, controlling body temperature, and preserving the pH balance of the blood.
For the diagnosis and treatment of many medical problems, it is crucial to comprehend the makeup and activities of human blood. Human blood is utilised in contemporary medicine in a variety of ways, including blood transfusions and diagnostics.
What is blood?
Body fluids like blood are necessary for life. Transporting oxygen, nutrition, and waste materials to and from the tissues, the blood is a complex mixture of cells, proteins, and other substances that circulates throughout the body.
What are the main components of blood?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma all make up blood. The liquid component of blood known as plasma transports nutrition, hormones, and waste products. White blood cells are a component of the immune system, platelets aid in blood clotting, and red blood cells provide oxygen to the tissues.
What is the Rh factor in blood?
On the surface of some people's red blood cells lies a protein called the Rh factor. Rh-positive individuals are those who have the Rh factor, whereas Rh-negative individuals do not.
What is blood typing?
Based on the presence or lack of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells, blood typing is the process of identifying a person's blood type. The ABO blood type system, which divides blood into the four groups A, B, AB, and O, is the most widely used blood typing method.
What is blood pressure?
The force that blood applies to the artery walls as it travels through the body is known as blood pressure. The systolic pressure—the pressure experienced when the heart beats—and the diastolic pressure—the pressure experienced when the heart is at rest—are the two values used to quantify it(120/80).
What is hemoglobin?
The protein haemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells, is in charge of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. It is made up of four subunits, each of which has an oxygen-binding heme group, and it gives blood its red colour.