Functions of Blood

Functions of Blood

Blood plays a multifaceted role in supporting various essential functions in our body.

Transportation

  • Blood serves as the primary transportation medium for oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other essential substances within our body.
  • It carries oxygen from the lungs to all the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
  • Nutrients absorbed from the food we consume are transported by blood from the digestive system to all parts of the body.
  • Commonly referred to as the body’s ‘internal postal service’, blood transports hormones secreted by endocrine glands to target organs and tissues.
  • Blood also carries metabolic waste products to excretory organs like the kidneys and the lungs for excretion.

Regulation

  • Blood aids in the regulation of body temperature keeping the body’s temperature at a constant 37°C; it carries away excess heat (produced by active muscles) to the skin where it is lost to the surroundings.
  • Blood acts as a buffer, helping to regulate the body’s pH to maintain a stable internal environment, mostly ranging between 7.35 and 7.45.
  • It ensures water balance by redistributing water throughout the body, ensuring all cells receive an adequate amount.

Protection

  • Blood plays a key role in offering protection against disease-causing agents; white blood cells (leukocytes) in blood neutralise and destroy pathogens.
  • It enables immunity; certain blood cells produce antibodies against specific pathogens, providing immunity against subsequent exposures.
  • Blood allows for clotting, a process that prevents excessive bleeding from injuries; platelets in blood initiate the clotting process by forming a temporary plug at the site of injury.

Reproduction

  • In females, blood transports essential nutrients to the uterus during pregnancy, supporting the growth and development of the foetus.

Understanding these key roles of blood can help understand the significance of a healthy circulatory system, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimum blood health in promoting overall wellbeing.