FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD AND BLOOD CELLS

FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD

⇒ Blood acts as an oxygen carrier from lungs to the body tissues for metabolic activities.

⇒ It carries back CO₂ and waste products to remove through excretory organs – Lungs, Kidney, and Skin.

⇒ Blood supplies nutrients to all parts of the body.

⇒ It transports the hormones from the endocrine glands to the target body tissues.

⇒ It carries vitamins to the body tissues.

⇒ Blood helps in the regulation of body temperature.

⇒ Blood helps in maintaining body fluid volume and its balance in the body.

⇒ It maintains the electrolyte balance in the body fluids.

⇒ Blood has a protective function through –

⇒ Leukocytes, or white blood cells – destroy invading microorganisms and cancer cells.

⇒ Antibodies and other proteins destroy pathogenic substances.

⇒ It carries various enzymes to the body tissues for various specific and vital functions in the body.

⇒ It contains thrombocytes which help in the control of loss of blood from the body through injuries.

FUNCTIONS OF RED BLOOD CELLS or ERYTHROCYTES

⇒ RBC’s provides gaseous exchange between tissues and environment as follows –

⇒ Red blood cells due to their hemoglobin content act as the oxygen carrier to all the body tissue.

⇒ Carries carbon dioxide from the body tissues to the lungs for excretion.

⇒ Hemoglobin acts as an important buffer and helps to maintain normal blood pH.

⇒ RBC’s helps to maintain ionic balance.

⇒ It maintains blood viscosity.

⇒ RBC’s maintains the osmotic relationship with plasma.

FUNCTIONS OF WHITE BLOOD CELLS or LEUKOCYTES

Functions of Neutrophils:

• It forms the first line of defense against the pathogens.
• They play roles in the destruction of bacteria and the release of chemicals that kills or inhibit the growth of bacteria – phagocytosis.

Functions of Eosinophils:

• They attack the parasites that are too large to be engulfed by phagocytosis.
• Eosinophilic granules release chemicals which are toxic to the larvae of parasites.
• It collects at the side of allergic reaction and limits their intensity.

Functions of Basophils:

• It Secretes histamine which increases tissue blood flow via dilating the blood vessels
• It also secretes heparin which is an anticoagulant that promotes mobility of other blood cells by preventing clotting.

Functions of Lymphocytes:

• Lymphocytes function in destroying cancer cells, cells infected by viruses, and foreign invading cells.
• They also coordinate the actions of other immune cells, secrete antibodies and serve in immune memory.

Functions of Monocytes:

• They form the second line of defense against any pathogen.
• They function in differentiating into macrophages, which are large phagocytic cells, and digest pathogens, dead Neutrophils, and the debris of dead cells.

FUNCTIONS OF THROMBOCYTES or PLATELETS

⇒ Platelets Secrete vasoconstrictors – histamine and 5HT – which constrict blood vessels, causing vascular spasms in broken blood vessels.

⇒ It Forms temporary platelet plugs to stop bleeding.

⇒ Thrombocytes dissolve the blood clots when they are no longer needed

⇒ It Secretes chemicals that attract Neutrophils and monocytes to sites of inflammation

⇒ Platelets Secrete growth factors and have adhesive property by which it maintains the linings of blood vessels

SAHIL BATRA

Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.