Functions of Blood

Blood is responsible for the following body functions:

Fluid Connective Tissue

Blood is a fluid connective tissue composed of 55% plasma and 45% formed elements including WBCs, RBCs, and platelets. Since these living cells are suspended in plasma, blood is known as a fluid connective tissue and not just fluid.

Provides oxygen to the cells

Blood absorbs oxygen from the lungs and transports it to different cells of the body. The waste carbon dioxide moves from the blood to the lungs and is exhaled.

Transports Hormones and Nutrients

The digested nutrients such as glucose, vitamins, minerals, and proteins are absorbed into the blood through the capillaries in the villi lining the small intestine.

The hormones secreted by the endocrine glands are also transported by the blood to different organs and tissues.

Homeostasis

Blood helps to maintain the internal body temperature by absorbing or releasing heat.

Blood Clotting at Site of Injury

The platelets help in the clotting of blood at the site of injury. Platelets along with the fibrin form clot at the wound site

Transport of waste to the Kidney and Liver

Blood enters the kidney where it is filtered to remove nitrogenous waste out of the blood plasma. The toxins from the blood are also removed by the liver.

Protection of the body against pathogens

The White Blood Cells fight against infections. They multiply rapidly during infections.


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