Blood is a fluid present in the body, which is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. Red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma are the key components of blood , the essential function of blood is; its role in immunity, clotting, and homeostasis. Blood circulates through arteries and veins, ensuring cellular function and overall health, while also helping in temperature regulation and maintaining pH balance. In this article, we will study the ... Blood Basics Blood is a specialized body fluid. It has four main components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The blood that runs through the veins, arteries, and capillaries is known as whole blood —a mixture of about 55% plasma and 45% blood cells. About 7% to 8% of your total body weight is blood . An average-sized man has about 12 pints of blood in his body, and an average-sized woman has about 9 pints. Recall that blood is a connective tissue. Like all connective tissues, it is made up of cellular elements and an extracellular matrix. The cellular elements—referred to as the formed elements —include red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and cell fragments called platelets. The extracellular matrix, called plasma, makes blood unique among connective tissues because it is fluid. This fluid, which is mostly water, suspends the formed elements and enables them to circulate ...
