Blood is made of both plasma and formed elements. Plasma is a watery liquid which contains dissolved substances. The formed elements are mostly Red Blood Cells but also a very small percentage of White Blood Cells and Platelets. RBC's are what carry oxygen to cells and carbon dioxide away from cells. RBC's live approximately 120 days. WBC's are what make up part of your immune system. Platelets are cell fragments that are a big part of clotting after you have damaged a blood vessel. Blood cells are made in the Red Bone Marrow which in adults is mostly in the tips of long bones and in the flat bones of the body.
Blood keeps the body alive by giving the cells the nutrients and oxygen they need to survive. It takes away the wastes that are hazardous to the cells. Cells undergoing mitosis use alot of oxygen and nutrients because its a very energy intensive process.
No comments:
Post a Comment