Page 67 - Life Insurance underwriting Ebook IC 22

CHAPTER –7

1. Understand the components of a blood cell

1.1 Functions of blood

Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the Heart, Arteries, Veins, and
Capillaries. Blood performs various essential functions as it circulates through the body.
It delivers oxygen and essential nutrients (such as fats, sugars. minerals, and vitamins)
to the body's tissues. It carries carbon dioxide to the lungs and other waste products
(like urea and creatinine) to the kidneys for elimination from the body. It transports
hormones to allow various parts of the body to communicate with each other. The blood
also contains many others substances such as antibodies and antitoxins.

1.2 Components of blood

Human blood consists of about 22 percent solids and 78 percent water. The
components of human blood are:

a) Plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the red blood cells, white blood
cells, and platelets are suspended. It constitutes more than half of the blood's

volume.

b) Blood Cells, which include
 Red blood cells (erythrocytes) - carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the
body.
 White blood cells (leukocytes) - help fight infections and aid in the immune

process. Types of white blood cells include: Lymphocytes, Monocytes,

Eosinophils, Basophils, Neutrophils (granulocytes).
 Platelets (thrombocytes) - help in blood clotting.

c) Chemical substances, including: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Hormones.
d) Gases, including: Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen.

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