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BLOOD

➢ The average adult has 5 to 6 liters of blood
➢ Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, comprises 55% of blood.
➢ Formed elements: Cellular portion of blood, comprises 45% of blood.

BLOOD CELLS (Formed elements)

➢ Erythrocyte: RBCs (red blood cell)
Normal red blood cell life span 120 days, RBCs contains a protein called hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is high in iron and transports oxygen to the cells of the body.
➢ Thrombocytes (platelets)
Essential for blood coagulation, they have a life span of 9 to 12 days.
➢ Leukocytes: WBCs (white blood cell)
The function is to provide the body protection against infection. They’re elevated during
infection and are an important part of your immune system.

There are five types of WBCs in the blood. Remember: Never, Let, Monkeys,
Eat, Bananas

Neutrophils (Never) – the most numerous, comprise about 40% to 60% of
WBC population. They fight off bacterial infection

Lymphocytes (Let) - the second most numerous, comprising about 20% to
40% of the WBC population. Their number increases in viral infection.

Monocytes (Monkeys) – comprising 3% to 8% of the population, their
number increases in intracellular infections (salmonella, listeria) and
tuberculosis.

Eosinophils (Eat) - represent 1% to 3% of the WBC population. Their
numbers are increased in allergies, skin infections, and parasitic infections.

Basophils (Bananas)- account for 0% to 1% of WBCs in the blood. They carry
histamine, which is released in allergic reactions
White blood cells can also be present in urine if the patient has a UTI (urinary tract infection).

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