Blood Cells and their Functions

Red Cells or Erythrocytes:

• They transport oxygen from the lungs to all the living tissues of the body and carry away carbon dioxide.

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White Cells or Leukocytes:

First responders for immune system. They seek out, identify and bind to bacterias, viruses or fungi so they are removed and killed. Also, they get rid of dead or dying blood cells as well as foreign matter such as dust.

Platelets or thrombocytes:

They work with blood clotting chemicals in wounds by forming something called a platelet plug. They also can release coagulating chemicals which cause clots to form in the blood that can plug up narrowed blood vessels

Plasma:

The non-cellular or liquid portion of the blood which consists of a mixture of water, proteins, and dissolved substances. It

works as a transportation medium for glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and cellular waste products.

O’Neil, D. (2013). Blood Components. [Web Portal]. Retrieved from http://anthro.palomar.edu/blood/blood_components.htm