Blood is a vital tissue in the human body. It flows through all of our body tissue and supplies it with nutrients and oxygen. In addition, the blood carries away waste products and carbon dioxide and helps protect the body from infections. In this article we will look at the structure and function of blood as well as some important blood values.
Structure of the blood:
Blood consists of three main components: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). These cells are transported in a liquid medium called blood plasma.
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are the most common type of cells in the blood and make up about 40-45% of the total blood volume. They contain the red blood pigment hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and transports it to the tissues in the body. Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days and are broken down in the spleen and bone marrow.
White blood cells (leukocytes) are an important part of the immune system and play a key role in defending against infection and disease. There are different types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes. Each type of leukocyte has a specific function and helps fight pathogens.
Platelets (thrombocytes) are tiny cells that play a role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site of the injury and form a type of "patch" to stop the bleeding.
Blood plasma is the liquid medium that transports cells in the blood. It consists mainly of water and contains various proteins, sugars, electrolytes and hormones. Blood plasma also plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Function of blood:
Blood has many important functions in the body. The main functions of blood are:
- Transporting nutrients and oxygen to tissues in the body
- Removal of carbon dioxide and waste products from the tissues
- Regulation of body temperature
- Protection against infections and diseases through the immune system
- Blood clotting and healing of wounds
Blood values:
Blood values are laboratory values obtained from a blood test that provide important information about an individual's health status. These values provide information about the number and function of the various blood cells as well as the content of certain proteins and enzymes in the blood.
Some of the most important blood values and their meaning are explained in more detail below:
- Hemoglobin (Hb) - Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that is found in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin level may indicate anemia, while a high level may indicate dehydration or another medical condition.
- Leukocytes (WBC) - Leukocytes are white blood cells that are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases in the body. An elevated leukocyte count may indicate infection or inflammation, while a low count may indicate immune deficiency or bone marrow disease.
- Platelets (PLT) - Platelets are blood platelets responsible for blood clotting and wound healing. A low platelet count may indicate a tendency to bleed, while a high count may indicate increased blood clotting ability or bone marrow disease.
- Glucose - Glucose is the body's most important source of energy and is obtained from carbohydrates. An elevated glucose level can indicate diabetes mellitus, while a low level can indicate hypoglycemia or a metabolic disease.
- Cholesterol - Cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and serves as a starting substance for hormones and bile acids. Elevated cholesterol levels can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Creatinine - Creatinine is a breakdown product of muscle metabolism and is mainly excreted via the kidneys. An elevated creatinine level may indicate kidney dysfunction.
- Bilirubin - Bilirubin is formed when red blood cells break down and is excreted via the liver and bile. An increased bilirubin level can indicate liver or biliary disease.
A complete blood count can provide important information about your health. Blood tests can help detect illnesses at an early stage, thus enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
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