Blood Anatomy
By: Brady Moore
Plasma
The liquid part of blood that carries nutrients and hormones throughout the body. Makes up about 55% of blood tissue.
Platelets
Cell fragments that assist in blood clotting. There are 300,000 Platelets per microliter of blood.
Red Blood Cells
The most numerous type of blood cell. There are 5 million RBC per microliter of blood. Do not have a nucleus. The function is to transport nutrients and it only lives a short period of time (4 months). Carry Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide gases which bind to the hemoglobin protein on the RBC.
White Blood Cells
There are 5,000 to 10,000 WBC per microliter of blood. Only blood cell that contains a nucleus and thus DNA. Belong to the circulatory system, but they are also part of the immune system. Main function is to fight disease and foreign invaders - anything from a virus to a splinter to a donated organ.