BIO 255 Week 1 Discussion

Composition of Whole Blood

Whole blood is an essential fluid product of the human body, which consists of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Blood plasma comprises water, proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products and fills up approximately 55% of the blood volume. Some proteins in plasma include albumins, which aid in osmotic pressure; globulins, which participate in immune responses; and fibrinogen, which helps clotting.
Red blood cells, about 45% of blood, contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and transports it to tissues. They have a biconcave shape that provides a larger surface area for the exchange of gases and also enables them to pass through capillaries (Bubiński et al., 2022).

White blood cells, less than 1% of blood, are crucial for defense mechanisms. They identify and destroy pathogens, remove dead cells, and participate in immune responses. The main types include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Platelets, also less than 1% of blood, play a key role in clotting by adhering to injury sites and facilitating the coagulation cascade to form stable clots.

Physical Characteristics of Whole Blood

Whole blood is a thick liquid with a pH of 7, slightly higher than neutral. It varies from bright red in oxygenated blood to dark red when carrying deoxygenated blood. The density of blood is relatively higher than that of water, and this is because of the blood cells and proteins. (Nader et al., 2019).

Functions of Whole Blood

Whole blood is primarily involved in transport, control, and protection. It conveys oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, as well as temperature, pH, fluid balance, immune responses, and a clotting mechanism against infections. (McRae et al., 2020).

Blood as a Connective Tissue

Blood is classified as a connective tissue because it originates from mesenchymal stem cells and performs functions similar to other connective tissues. Like connective tissues, blood has a matrix (plasma), and the three primary cellular components are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Kamrani et al. (2023) add that it also provides structural support and protection, much like other connective tissues, by transporting essential substances and immune cells throughout the body.

References

Bubiński, M., Gronowska, A., Szykuła, P., Woźniak, A., Rodacka, A., Santi, S., Cardoso, M., & Lachert, E. (2022). Assessing quality of blood components derived from whole blood treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light and separated with a fully automated device. PubMed, 20(5), 395–403. https://doi.org/10.2450/2022.0278-21

Kamrani, P., Marston, G., Arbor, T. C., & Jan, A. (2023, March 5). Anatomy, connective tissue. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30860769/

McRae, H. L., Kara, F., Milito, C., Cahill, C., Blumberg, N., & Refaai, M. A. (2020). Whole blood haemostatic function throughout a 28‐day cold storage period: An in vitro study. Vox Sanguinis, 116(2), 190–196. https://doi.org/10.1111/vox.13005

Nader, E., Skinner, S., Romana, M., Fort, R., Lemonne, N., Guillot, N., Gauthier, A., Antoine-Jonville, S., Renoux, C., Hardy-Dessources, M.-D., Stauffer, E., Joly, P., Bertrand, Y., & Connes, P. (2019). Blood rheology: Key parameters, impact on blood flow, role in sickle cell disease and effects of exercise. Frontiers in Physiology, 10(10). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01329

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 BIO 255 Week 1 Discussion

• Describe the composition, physical characteristics, and functions of whole blood. Explain why it is classified as a connective tissue.
  

  BIO 255 Week 1 Discussion