Blood is often referred to as the "fluid of life" as it carries oxygen and nutrients to cells and transports waste products away. However, blood is far more than just a transport mechanism - it contains several essential components that work together to perform a variety of critical functions in the body.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are the most abundant cell type found in Blood and Blood Components. RBCs contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and allows the cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and return carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs. A typical adult has around 25 trillion RBCs circulating in the entire blood volume of around 5 liters. RBCs have a life span of about 120 days before they are broken down by macrophages in the spleen. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to a reduction in RBC count known as anemia. Some diseases and blood disorders can also damage or destroy RBCs.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells (WBCs) or leukocytes are a part of the immune system and help defend the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. There are several types of WBCs including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Neutrophils are generally the first responders against bacterial infections by phagocytosing (engulfing and destroying) bacteria and fungi. Lymphocytes include T cells and B cells that coordinate adaptive immune responses against pathogens. Monocytes turn into macrophages that further aid the immune response through phagocytosis. Eosinophils and basophils are involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites. Infections and injuries usually cause a rise in the total WBC count.
Platelets
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are cellular fragments that help form blood clots and plug leaks in blood vessels to stop bleeding. Platelets are produced by fragmentation of large cells called megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Each tiny platelet contains proteins called clotting factors that allow platelets to coagulate at the site of an injury. Low platelet count or thrombocytopenia can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. Certain medications, blood disorders, infections, or injuries may decrease platelet numbers.
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood where the blood cells are suspended. It makes up about 55% of blood volume and contains water, salts, enzymes and proteins essential for blood clotting, fighting infections, maintaining pH and osmotic balance. Some key plasma proteins are albumin, which maintains osmotic pressure; globulins, including antibodies, complement proteins and clotting factors; and fibrinogen, the clotting factor converted to fibrin during clot formation. Plasma also transports nutrients, waste products, hormones and other substances between tissues and organs. Liver diseases can impair plasma protein synthesis causing inadequate levels.
Blood Groups
The presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of RBCs determines human blood groups which include A, B, AB, and O. The plasma also contains antibodies against antigens not present on one's own RBCs. This is important for safe blood transfusions as incompatible blood groups can lead to transfusion reactions. AB blood group has both A and B antigens and can safely receive any other group. O group lacks both antigens so RBCs from this group can be transfused to any patient. Blood typing is done to identify donors and done during pregnancy to avoid risks to the fetus from maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility.
Blood Coagulation
Bleeding from an injury needs to be halted quickly to prevent excessive blood loss. The process of blood coagulation or clotting activates a series of proteins called coagulation factors in the plasma. When a blood vessel gets damaged, coagulation factors get activated in a step-wise cascade of reactions that ultimately leads to the conversion of soluble fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin. This forms a mesh that traps platelets and RBCs to form a clot that plugs the leaking site. Deficiencies in any of these factors impair clotting which can manifest as excessive bleeding diathesis. Factors are monitored by labs especially during surgeries or delivery.
Blood consists of various cellular and acellular components like RBCs, WBCs, platelets, and plasma each playing an indispensable role in oxygen transport, immunity, clotting and more. Together they ensure continuous supply of nutrients and removal of waste for the healthy functioning of the body. Certain diseases and lifestyle factors can negatively impact the production or function of these components leading to illnesses. Understanding blood and its components helps us better comprehend overall physiology and pathology.
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