BLOOD
Blood
By; Joevi Chiu
Blood is a constantly circulating fluid providing the body with nutrition, oxygen, and waste removal. Blood is mostly liquid, with numerous cells and proteins suspended in it, making blood "thicker" than pure water. The average person has about 5 liters (more than a gallon) of blood.
A liquid called plasma makes up about half of the content of blood. Plasma contains proteins that help blood to clot, transport substances through the blood, and perform other functions. Blood plasma also contains glucose and other dissolved nutrients. About half of blood volume is composed of blood cells: • Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues • White blood cells, which fight infections • Platelets, smaller cells that help blood to clot Blood is conducted through blood vessels (arteries and veins). Blood is prevented from clotting in the blood vessels by their smoothness, and the finely tuned balance of clotting factors. |
Blood Functions
Blood performs many important functions within the body including:
|
Blood Conditions
Hemorrhage
Bleeding. Blood leaking out of blood vessels may be obvious, as from a wound penetrating the skin. Internal bleeding (such as into the intestines, or after a car accident) may not be immediately apparent. |
Hematoma Hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. There are several types of hematomas and they are often described based on their location. Some causes of hematomas are as pelvic bone fractures, fingernail injuries (subungual), bumps, passing blood clots, blood clot in the leg (DVT), blood cancers, and excessive alcohol use. |