Functions of Red Cells, Platelets, Plasma, White Cells

Functions of Red Blood Cells (RBCs):

These cells are biconcave disc shaped to maximise surface area for oxygen transport.
Red cells have no nucleus, providing more room for carrying haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin is a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.
Once in the lungs, haemoglobin combines with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin.
This oxyhaemoglobin is then transported to body cells where it releases oxygen.

Functions of Platelets:

These are small fragments of cells without a nucleus.
They are responsible for clotting blood at sites of wounds.
When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets stick together to form a platelet plug.
This plug prevents excess blood loss, protects the wound from infection and allows healing to occur.

Functions of Plasma:

This is the liquid portion of blood, making up to 55% of overall blood volume.
Plasma transports a variety of substances, including hormones, nutrients, and waste products such as urea and carbon dioxide.
It also transports dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, plus heat around the body.

Functions of White Blood Cells (WBCs):

These cells form a part of the immune system and fight off foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses.
Some types of WBCs, known as phagocytes, absorb and break down the harmful invaders.
Other types of WBCs, called lymphocytes, recognise specific foreign bodies and create antibodies against them for future defence.
WBCs have a nucleus, unlike RBCs and platelets. They can change shape in response to foreign bodies.
They are larger but fewer in number compared to other blood components.