Overview: Blood
- Blood is a specialized connective tissue that moves through vessels and carries cells, proteins, nutrients, gases, wastes, hormones, and ions.
- Specialized connective tissue means blood belongs to the connective-tissue family even though its matrix is fluid instead of solid or gel-like.
- Formed elements are the cellular and cell-fragment components of blood.
- Erythrocytes are red blood cells that mainly transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Leukocytes are white blood cells that participate in immune defense.
- Platelets are cell fragments that help stop bleeding and support clot formation.
- Plasma is the fluid component of blood that suspends the formed elements.
- Average adult blood volume is about 5 liters.
- Closed vascular system means blood normally circulates inside a continuous network of vessels.
- Blood transport includes nutrients, waste products, hormones, proteins, ions, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and formed elements.
- Oxygen (O₂) is the gas delivered to tissues for aerobic metabolism.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a waste gas produced by cells and carried back toward the lungs.
- Temperature regulation is supported by blood because circulating fluid distributes heat through the body.
- Osmotic balance means regulation of water movement across membranes and vessel walls.
- Acid-base balance means regulation of blood hydrogen-ion concentration so body fluids remain in a workable pH range.
- Blood cells have short life spans, so the body must replace them continuously.
- Hemopoiesis is the process of forming new blood cells.
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