Question

Match each description with a component of blood in the key. Answers can be used more than once. a. red blood cells b. white blood cells c. red and white blood cells and platelets d. plasma Contains plasma proteins

Short answer

The correct answer is d. Plasma (It contains plasma proteins).

Step-by-step solution

Recall the composition of blood

Blood is made up of several components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Plasma proteins are found in the liquid portion of the blood called plasma.

Evaluate the options

We need to find the component of the blood that contains plasma proteins. Let's analyze each option: a. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen and do not contain plasma proteins. b. White blood cells are part of the immune system and do not contain plasma proteins. c. Red and white blood cells and platelets are all cellular components, but they are separate from the plasma proteins. d. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood and contains plasma proteins.

Choose the correct answer

Based on our analysis in step 2, we can conclude that the correct answer is: d. Plasma (It contains plasma proteins)

Key concepts

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are crucial components of blood. Their primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and return carbon dioxide for expulsion. They achieve this due to the presence of a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen molecules.

• Shape: Red blood cells have a distinctive biconcave disc shape, which increases their surface area for oxygen exchange.
• Lifespan: They typically survive around 120 days before being recycled by the body.
• Production: Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow in a process known as erythropoiesis.

This unique design and function make red blood cells indispensable for oxygen transport and overall cellular respiration.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the body's defense mechanism against infections and disease. Though fewer in number than red blood cells, they play an essential role in maintaining health.

• Types: There are several varieties of white blood cells, each with specialized functions, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.
• Immune Response: They detect and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
• Life Cycle: White blood cells generally have a shorter lifespan than red blood cells and are continuously replenished from the bone marrow.

White blood cells are pivotal in keeping our bodies healthy by fighting infections and facilitating the healing process.

Platelets

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments essential for blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site to stop bleeding and facilitate healing.

• Clot Formation: Platelets stick to the site of injury and to each other to form a plug or clot.
• Lifespan: They have a relatively short lifespan of about 7 to 10 days.
• Role: In addition to clotting, platelets release growth factors that aid in tissue repair.

Platelets are key to the body's ability to control bleeding and ensure that injuries do not lead to excessive blood loss.

Plasma

Plasma is the liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its total content. It is the medium in which blood cells are suspended and transported throughout the body.

• Composition: It is primarily composed of water, but also contains vital salts, enzymes, antibodies, and hormones.
• Function: Plasma serves as a transport system for cells and carries nutrients, waste products, and hormones.
• Plasma Proteins: These include albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, which have roles in maintaining blood pressure, immunity, and clotting.

Plasma is fundamental to overall circulatory health and supports the functions of all other blood components.