Blood is a liquid that is pumped by the heart through the blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the cells and to carry waste from the cells to the lungs and the small intestine. All animals have blood. Cold blooded animals lack an iron-based protein called hemoglobin that is present in mammals, such as humans.http://www.enotes.com/science-fact-finder/animal-world/do-all-animals-have-red-blood Bartleby Bookstore: Anatomy of the Human Body: The Blood American Red Cross: About Blood
Blood Color
Blood full of oxygen flows from the heart bright red. When returning to the heart, blood has less oxygen and appears bluish when compared to fully oxygenated bloodAmerican Red Cross: About Blood
Blood Types
There are four main principle blood types -- A, B, AB and O. The type is determined by the specific combination of antibodies and antigens a person's blood contains.Dennis O'Neil: ABO Blood Types Blood can further be characterized as negative or positive, depending on whether it contains the Rh antigen. Blood types need to be checked for compatibility before a transfusion to avoid potentially fatal complications.Nobleprize.org: Blood Groups, Blood Typing and Blood Transfusions
Blood Components
- Red blood cells: Carry oxygen from the lungs to all the body tissues
- White blood cells: Defend against infection
- Platelets: Involved in clotting process of blood
- Plasma: Liquid component of blood, replenishes or absorbs excess water from tissue, maintains blood pressure, helps regulate body temperature.Merck Manuals: Components of Blood
Blood Health
Some factors that can impact the health of blood are diseases, the amount of iron and vitamins in the diet and exposure to radiation or chemicals. Blood is mostly water, so it is also important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Sources of iron in the diet are red meat, beans and other legumes and some leafy green vegetables such as broccoli.Student BMJ: Iron: Keeping Blood Healthy Mayo Clinic: Anemia: Prevention Mayo Clinic: Thalassemia: Lifestyle and Home Remedies Cancer Answers: Acute Leukemia Treatment Information
Blood Diseases
Health problems that involve the blood are: anemia, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, Von Willebrand disease and hemophilia.Merck Manuals: Blood Disorders
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
The Functions of Blood Illustrated
This video shows with drawn figures the functions that blood performs in the human body. The illustrations are figurative, that is, they show what the narrator is discussing in a way that the layman can understand, rather than trying to show them how they really would look under a microscope.
Blood Books and Research
Google Books: Blood Books
Google Books: Atlas of Blood Diseases
Amazon.com: Blood Books
Amazon.com: Blood Disorders in the Elderly | Vascular Anatomy and Physiology: An Introductory Text
Pubmed Central: Articles and Journal about Blood
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References
Fast Facts
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Functions
Supplies oxygen and nutrients to cells, removes waste, transports hormones, protects against foreign substances, regulates body temperature and pHVirtualMedicalCentre: Blood-Function and Composition
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Fact:
An adult human body contains about 10 pints of blood.American Red Cross: About Blood
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Fact:
Red blood cells comprise 40% of volume of blood in a human body.Merck Manuals: Components of Blood
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Fact:
A human has 1 white blood cell for every 600-700 red cells.Merck Manuals: Components of Blood
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Fact:
