Final answer:
Blood consists of four main components: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infections; platelets, which aid in blood clotting; and plasma, the liquid part that transports various substances and houses the immune proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Components of Blood
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that serves numerous functions, including the transportation of oxygen and nutrients, the elimination of waste products, and the defense against infections. The primary components of blood include:
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes) - These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and brings carbon dioxide back to be expelled.
- White blood cells (leukocytes) - Part of the immune system, white blood cells defend the body against infection and disease and recycle waste components like worn-out red blood cells.
- Platelets (thrombocytes) - These are involved in blood clotting and healing wounds, activating the transformation of fibrinogen into fibrin to form a blood clot as a response to vascular injury.
- Plasma - This is the liquid component that makes up over half the blood's volume. Plasma is made up of 90 percent water along with proteins, such as immunoglobulins (antibodies), albumin, and clotting factors; electrolytes; gases; waste products; and nutrients.
Besides these components, serum is the part of blood plasma without coagulation factors. The hematopoiesis process in the body produces these blood elements, and blood plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, including regulation of the body's pH, temperature, osmotic pressure, and delivering hormones from endocrine glands. It also carries components essential for blood clotting and heat regulation.