Blood Components

A. Red Blood Cells

1. Carry Oxygen throughout body by using the hemoglobin
molecule.
2. Hemoglobin is a protein that can attach up to 4 oxygen
molecules.
3. Blood cells can last 120 days
4. Red bone marrow produces red blood cells
B. White Blood Cells
1. Red bone marrow produces WBC
2. These fight infection and disease.
3. There are fewer WBC and can live longer than RBC and are only
used as needed.
C. Plasma
1. 90% of plasma is water
2. 10% of plasma is dissolved materials.
3. Plasma carries glucose and other nutrients from digested food.
4. Chemical messengers are present that direct where materials
are needed
D. Platelets
1. These form a blood clot (think of scabs when you get cut)
2. They are cell fragments
3. They stick together at the site of a wound.
4. A protein called fibrin creates a net that keeps the platelets
together.