Page 139 - PPL-engelsk 2025

Human Performance

The red blood cells – transport oxygen to the body's organs using hemoglobin

(a protein).

The white blood cells – are the primary cells responsible for the body's immune

defense. They react to foreign organisms and "kill" them. Therefore, white
blood cells are both the body's "killers" and "garbage collectors."

The platelets – become active when we get a wound and blood vessels and

tissue are damaged. Platelets quickly form a plug at the site and activate the

coagulation factors that cause the blood to clot and form a scab.

Plasma – is water in which the blood cells float. Plasma contains salt, nutrients,

transport molecules, signaling molecules, and antibodies. Additionally, plasma

ensures that the blood does not become too thick, allowing the heart to pump

it around the body without difficulty.

2.3.3.3 Hemoglobin

It is hemoglobin, a part of the red blood cells, that carries oxygen. The

hemoglobin content in the blood varies from person to person.

Hemoglobin plays a central role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the
tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

Flying at high altitudes can affect the body's ability to get enough oxygen, and

here hemoglobin plays an important role in ensuring that the body gets the

oxygen it needs. If you have a low hemoglobin level (as in anemia), it can make

it harder for the body to get enough oxygen during a flight.

Cyclists and other athletes have high levels. People who live in the mountains

also have higher hemoglobin levels in their blood.

If you smoke, part of your hemoglobin is taken up by carbon monoxide. Carbon

monoxide is 200 times lighter than oxygen and therefore takes up space in the
bloodstream more easily than oxygen, which prevents the supply of oxygen!

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Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 139