General Blood

General Blood
A sample of human blood
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General Blood refers to the study and understanding of blood as a vital fluid in the human body. Blood is a specialized bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.

Composition

Blood is composed of several key components:

• Plasma: The liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. Plasma is mostly water (about 90%) and contains proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide, and blood cells themselves.

• Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs.

• White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Part of the immune system, these cells help the body fight infections and other diseases.

• Platelets (Thrombocytes): These are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing.

Functions

Blood performs many critical functions, including:

• Transportation: Blood transports oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body and carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs. It also carries nutrients from the digestive tract to the cells and waste products from the cells to the kidneys.

• Regulation: Blood helps regulate body temperature, pH levels, and water balance.

• Protection: Blood contains white blood cells and antibodies that are essential for the immune response. It also contains platelets and clotting factors that help prevent blood loss from damaged vessels.

Blood Disorders

There are numerous disorders that can affect the blood, including:

• Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and weakness.

• Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

• Hemophilia: A genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly.

• Thrombocytopenia: A condition characterized by a low platelet count, leading to increased bleeding and bruising.

Blood Typing

Blood typing is the classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells. The most commonly known blood group systems are the ABO and Rh systems.

Blood Donation

Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save lives. Donated blood is used for blood transfusions, which are critical in surgeries, trauma care, and for patients with certain medical conditions.

Also see

• Hematology
• Blood transfusion
• Blood pressure
• Blood vessel