Blood
The human body contains about 5 liters of blood.
Blood is a complex fluid that transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and carries away waste products.
The fluid part of blood (plasma) is mostly water, but it also contains dissolved proteins, sugars, salts and other substances.
Blood also has different types of cells:
- Red blood cells (Erythrocytes) transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body via their oxygen-binding protein hemoglobin.
- White blood cells fight infection. They are part of the immune system, which protects the body from foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.
- Platelets play an important role in the clotting of blood during injury or surgery. These tiny fragments help to stop bleeding by plugging damaged blood vessels until the clotting process can repair the damage.
Find tutorials and quizzes on the blood composition, anatomy and physiology of the blood with interactive animations and diagrams below. Remember this topic more easily with flashcards.
General Composition of Blood
When blood separates it splits into three sections: The red blood cells, the “buffy coat”, and plasma. Each section is composed of various elements.
The Hematocrit Test – How and Why It Is Performed
The hematocrit test is used to determine the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. Review the procedures of the test and learn why it is performed.
Rh Blood Group System
Rh antigens are one of many types of surface marker molecules made by red blood cells. Review the features of an Rh antigen in this interactive tutorial.
Number of Red Blood Cells in the Blood
Review the number of red blood cells in blood that contains either, high, low, or normal RBC count in this interactive tutorial.
Clotting (Coagulation) Time Test
The clotting time test is used to determine how well the clotting process is functioning. Review the procedures of the test in this interactive tutorial.
White Blood Cell Differential Test Procedures
The white blood cell differential test is used to determine the percentage of each type of WBC in blood. Review the procedures in this interactive tutorial.
How Blood Type is Determined
The blood type test is used to determine which antigenic molecules are present on RBCs. Review the procedures of the test in this interactive tutorial.
General Structure and Functions of Red Blood Cells
RBCs are small, disc-shaped cells that circulate in the blood stream. Review the general structure and function of an RBC in this interactive tutorial.
Blood Cells & Formed Elements of the Blood
Illustrated review of the various cells and cell fragments that compose the formed elements of the blood (RBCs, WBCs & Platelets).
Transport of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the Blood
Tissue cells produce carbon dioxide when nutrient molecules undergo cellular respiration. Review the transportation of CO2 in the blood in this tutorial.
Functions of Red Blood Cells
Red Blood Cells transport respiratory gases through the blood stream. Review the functions of red blood cells in this interactive tutorial.
Transport of Oxygen in the Blood
Review the composition of hemoglobin molecules as well as the circulation, and transportation of oxygen in the blood stream in this interactive tutorial.
The ABO Blood Group System
Review the antigens of red blood cells as well as the differences in their chemical structures in this interactive tutorial.