Question

2. Discuss one of the formed elements of blood (RBC, WBC, or PLT); the different parts of blood; or one the following proteins of blood: albumin, complement

Answer 1

Blood has four main components:

plasma

Plasma constitutes 55% of total blood volume. Composed of 90% water, salts, lipids and hormones, rich in proteins mainly albumin, immunoglobulins, clotting factors and fibrinogen.

Red blood cells

biconcave disks in shape and without a nucleus and contains hemoglobin which helps in transportation of gases. Production of red blood cells is controlled by erythropoietin, a hormone produced by kidneys. In the bone marrow immature RBC are produced and after approximately seven days of maturation are released into the bloodstream. They survives on average only 120 days.

white blood cells

WBC are divided into granular cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and agranular cells: lymphocytes, and monocytes based on their physical and functional characteristics

which helps in immune reactions and protection of body.

platelets

Platelets also known as thrombocytes which are anucleated and plays a role in blood coagulation and wound healing

Proteins of blood

Albumin

Albumins are commonly found in blood plasma and makes upto 50 % of total plasma protein and is produced in liver. They transport proteins that bind to various ligands via specific receptors in the body. They transports harmones, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, drugs. They are responsible for maintaining of osmotic pressure of blood and buffers pH

Complement

Complement consists of more than 30 proteins which are synthesised in liver. Complement system causes the lysis (bursting) of foreign and infected cells, the phagocytosis (ingestion) of foreign particles and cell debris, and the inflammation of surrounding tissue