Composition of Blood

 

Blood is composed of various components which includes plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These constituents perform important functions for our survival. 

Plasma

 

Plasma is the liquid portion of the Blood and Blood Components which makes up about 55% of total blood volume. It transports nutrients, waste products, hormones, and antibodies throughout the body. Plasma contains water, salts, enzymes, clotting factors, proteins like albumin and globulins. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance between blood and tissues while globulins help fight infection. 

Red Blood Cells

 

Red blood cells or erythrocytes form about 45% of total blood volume. Main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to lungs. Red blood cells are biconcave disc shaped and contain hemoglobin which gives blood its red color and allows oxygen binding and transportation. Average life span of red blood cell is 120 days.

White Blood Cells 

 

While red blood cells fights for oxygen, white blood cells or leukocytes defend the body against pathogenic microbes. There are several types of white blood cells - neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. Neutrophils are the most abundant type and engulf and destroy invading bacteria and fungi. Lymphocytes produce antibodies and destroy infected cells. Monocytes defend against toxins and transform into other white blood cells.

Platelets

 

Platelets or thrombocytes are cell fragments involved in blood clotting process. They help seal breaks in blood vessel walls by clustering at the injury site. This initial plug formation is reinforced by clotting proteins in plasma to prevent blood loss. Low platelet count can lead to excessive bleeding while high count increases risk of clots. 

Blood Groups and Transfusions 

 

Based on presence or absence of antigens on surface of red blood cells, human blood is categorized into A, B, AB, and O groups. These antigens trigger an immunological response if foreign blood with unmatched type is transfused. Type O negative blood does not contain A or B antigens and thus can be received safely by any recipient in emergency situations. Compatible blood types are O to A, B, AB and A to A, O and vice versa for transfusions. Cross matching of donor and recipient blood is essential to avoid transfusion reactions.

Blood Donation and Banking

 

Voluntary blood donation helps fulfill transfusions demand for surgery, accident victims, patients of blood disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Components of single donor unit can benefit multiple recipients. Collected blood is tested and separated at blood banks into packed red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate based on their end use. Proper storage under regulated temperature maintains viability and potency of products upto specified shelf life.

Functions of Normal Blood

In addition to oxygen and nutrients transportation, blood performs several other important functions essential to sustain life:

Regulation of Body Temperature

 

Blood circulates close to body surface and inner organs, acting as a "heating/cooling" system. Its flow regulates heat dissipation from core to periphery. 

Defense Against Infections

 

White blood cells and antibodies in plasma protect against pathogenic microbes. Fever is a protective response to raise body temperature and inhibit microbial growth.

Clotting and Wound Healing 

 

Platelets, coagulation factors in plasma trigger clot formation to plug tears in blood vessels. Clots also initiate repair by attracting cells of immune system.

Maintenance of Acid-Base Balance

 

Carbon dioxide dissolved in plasma regulates pH in conjunction with breathing and kidney functions. 

Hormone Delivery

 

Hormones like insulin are transported to target organs through blood circulation. 

Removal of Waste

 

Carbon dioxide and other metabolic end products are cleared from tissues by blood and excreted through lungs, kidneys, intestines and skin.

Importance of Blood and its Components

Blood plays an irreplaceable role as the transport medium for oxygen, nutrients, waste, hormones, immune cells throughout the body. Its functions of regulation, protection and repair literally sustains life. Even minor depletion can impair health significantly. Hence importance of voluntary blood donation to meet transfusion needs cannot be over emphasized. Proper blood banks management and clinical transfusions based on compatible blood grouping ensure safe utilization of this precious vital fluid. 

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