What is blood?
1 – Definition of blood
Blood is a vital biological fluid that circulates throughout the body via blood vessels and the pumping action of the heart. The human body of an adult contains an average of 5 liters of blood. Blood transports oxygen and essential nutrients to the body and carries waste products to the organs responsible for elimination, while also protecting the body.
2 – plasma
Plasma is the liquid part of blood, composed mainly of water, but also containing:
- Proteins (such as hormones and antibodies), as well as clotting factors essential to the hemostasis process
- Electrolytes (mineral salts)
- Nutrients (fats and sugars)
- And metabolic waste products
3 – White blood cells and platelets
White blood cells: Part of the immune system, they defend the body against infections and diseases by fighting off pathogens.
Platelets: Involved in the blood clotting process, they help form clots to stop bleeding when blood vessels are damaged.
4 – Red blood cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and help transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for elimination.
