In: Biology
Please, answer this question
Identify the structural characteristics and functions of the cellular elements of blood.
The cellular components of blood are : Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets. The functions of these elements are as follows:
Erythrocytes : they are structurally oval & rubbery cells that transport oxygen to various parts of the body from lungs & to bring waste CO2 to the lungs. They don't have a nucleus (not true cells). They are the heaviest component in the blood.
Thrombocytes : they promotes the clotting of blood while bleeding. As a response to bleeding, they form a plug to prevent bleeding. Do not have a nucleus, smaller than both RBCs & WBCs. Lens shaped structures.
Leukocytes : They are motile cells crucial for immunity. They don't contain hemoglobin but do contain a nucleus. They fights against the infections by the ingestion of foreign substances & destroys the pathogens. Other functions of leukocytes include, eliminating foreign substances & dead cells. They are also responsible for the inflammatory response. They are made up of both granulocytes & non-granulocytes.
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