Blood Composition: The Building Blocks of Life's Transport System
Overview of Blood Components
Blood is a fascinating mixture of cells, proteins, and liquid that makes up about 7-8% of your total body weight. It consists of four main components:
- Plasma (55%)
- Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes) (44%)
- White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) (<1%)
- 4. Platelets (Thrombocytes) (<1%)
Plasma: The Liquid Gold
Plasma makes up about 55% of your total blood volume and is primarily composed of:
- Water (90-92%)
- Proteins (7-8%)
- Other substances (1-2%)
Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood that carries everything else around your body.
Key Components in Plasma:
- Proteins (albumins, globulins, fibrinogen)
- Nutrients (glucose, amino acids, fatty acids)
- Hormones
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Waste products (urea, carbon dioxide)
Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)
Making up about 44% of blood volume, these tiny powerhouses:
- Are biconcave disc-shaped
- Lack nuclei (to make room for more hemoglobin)
- Contain hemoglobin for oxygen transport
The unique biconcave shape of red blood cells increases their surface area for better gas exchange!
White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)
Though less than 1% of blood volume, these defensive warriors include:
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
While small in number, white blood cells are crucial for immune system function.
Platelets (Thrombocytes)
Also less than 1% of blood volume, these tiny cell fragments:
- Are essential for blood clotting
- Help prevent blood loss
- Aid in wound healing
Don't confuse platelets with plasma proteins in the clotting process - they work together but have different roles!