Blood Components
Blood isn't just red liquid - it's actually a complex tissue made up of different components floating in a straw-coloured liquid called plasma. Each part has a specific job that keeps you alive and healthy.
Red blood cells are your body's delivery service for oxygen. They're shaped like doughnuts without holes (biconcave), which gives them loads of surface area to pick up oxygen. They're packed with haemoglobin - the red stuff that actually carries the oxygen - and don't have a nucleus so there's more room for this vital protein.
White blood cells are your personal bodyguards, fighting off nasty microorganisms in three main ways. They can literally eat invaders (phagocytosis), produce antibodies to target specific threats, and make antitoxins to neutralise any poisonous substances. Unlike red blood cells, these do have a nucleus.
Platelets are tiny cell fragments that act like natural plasters. When you get cut, they clump together to form clots, stopping bleeding and keeping germs out. Plasma carries everything around - from nutrients and hormones to waste products heading for disposal.
Remember: You can calculate blood flow rate by dividing the volume of blood by the number of minutes - useful for exam calculations!