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Blood Cells
Chapter 25


Aidhm
plasma
blood cell
blood cell
blood cell
The plasma actually surrounds the cells and carries them
along as it flows through the blood vessels.
This is the first function of plasma.
As blood is 55% plasma and only 45%
cells, the cells are actually suspended
within the plasma, a little like people would
be suspended within a swimming pool.
Plasma Liquid part of the blood
Red Blood Cells
White Blood Cells
Platelets
What are the main parts of the
blood
Role of Blood Parts
Composed of mainly water which acts as a
transport medium for the cells and dissolved
substances
Plasma
Red Blood Cells
White Blood Cells
Platelets
Carry Oxygen
Fight Infection
Clotting
Role of Plasma
Composed of mainly water which as a transport
medium for the cells and dissolved substances
Digestion products
.Glucose, amino acids, Fatty
acids, glycerol, minerals and
vitamins
Waste.Carbon dioxide, urea
Clotting proteins
Antibodies
Serum
Has no clotting proteins but has other plasma
soluble materials (antibodies)
Role of Blood Parts
Red Blood Cells
AKA Erythrocytes
Carry Oxygen
Contain a protein on their membrane called
haemoglobin
Made in bone marrow
Constantly replaced.
Damaged cells broken down in liver and spleen
Did you know.
Iron from the haemoglobin is stored in
the liver.
It can be recycled
Some of it is converted into bile
pigments biliverdin and bilirubin
Role of Blood Parts
White Blood Cells
AKA Leucocytes
Definite shape, bigger than red
blood cells
Fight Infection
Different types
Phagocytes (engulf)
Lymphocytes (produce antibodies)
Did you know.
Role of Blood Parts
Platelets
AKA thrombocytes
They are cell fragments
Clotting (reduces blood
loss and prevents entry
of microorganisms)
Did you know.
4 ABO Blood Groups
It is essential to know a persons
blood group for safe blood
transfusions because the body
will have antibodies to destroy
cells with foreign antigens
Groups Antigens on the
surface of the
blood cell
A A
B B
AB A and B
O No antigens
Rhesus Factor System
Another blood grouping system, first discovered in
monkeys
Involves antigen called factor D on the red cells

If you have factor D you are Rhesus positive or Rh+

If you havent you are Rhesus negative or Rh-

Did you know.
Functions of blood
1. Transport
a) Oxygen: carried as oxyhaemoglobin in red blood cells.
b) Carbon Dioxide: dissolved in the plasma
c) Digested products: glucose, amino acids
d) Waste products: urea
e) Hormones: chemicals produced by certain glands
carried in the blood
2. Temperature Regulation
Blood circulation: carries heat from organs and carries water
3. Defence
1. Monocytes: phagocytic action destroys invading bacteria
2. Lymphocytes: produce antibodies
3. Platelets: trigger the clotting mechanism.

Red Blood Cells (erthrocytes)
Biconcave discs gives large surface area
No Nucleus
Flexible Cell membranes
Made in bone marrow of ribs & sternum
Contain Haemoglobin(has a high affinity for oxygen)
No mitochondria
Oxygen + Haemoglobin Oxyhaemoglobin
White Blood Cells (Leucocytes)
Two types
Have a Nucleus
1. Lymphocytes
Formed in bone marrow
and mature in spleen
2. Monocytes
Protect against disease
No definite shape
Large nuclei, produce antibodies to kill
bacteria and viruses
Lobed nucleus, engulf microorganisms by
phagocytosis
White Blood Cells (Leucocytes)
Two types
1. Lymphocytes
2. Monocytes
Made in bone marrow, stored in
lymphatic system (tonsils, spleen etc. )
Function: Produce antibodies to kill
bacteria and viruses
Made in bone marrow
Kidney shaped nucleus
Engulf microorganisms by phagocytosis
Macrophages: large phagocytes
Fighting disease
Fighting disease
Activity
Learning check
Can you