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What are the cellular components of blood?

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Components of blood include erythrocytes (RBCs), leucocytes (WBCs), and thrombocytes (platelets). These components form 4 5% of blood. They are suspended in the remaining fluid portion, called plasma.

  • Blood plasma is a yellowish-coloured liquid component of blood that normally holds the blood cells in whole blood in suspension; this makes plasma the extracellular matrix of blood cells. It makes up about 55% of the body's total blood volume.
  • Mammalian erythrocytes are biconcave, coloured cells devoid of a nucleus. They help in transporting respiratory gases.
  • Leucocytes or white blood cells are nucleated cells. They can be divided into granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). They help fight against various disease-causing germs entering the body.
  • Thrombocytes are cell fragments produced from megakaryocytes of the bone. They play a major role during blood coagulation.

Red blood cells (Erythrocytes)

RBCs are biconcave cells without nuclei in humans, also known as erythrocytes. RBCs contain the iron-rich protein called haemoglobin; give blood its red colour. RBCs are the most copious blood cells produced in the bone marrow. Their main function is to transport oxygen from and to various tissues and organs.

White blood cells (Leucocytes)

Leucocytes are colourless blood cells. They are colourless because it is devoid of haemoglobin. They are further classified as granulocytes and agranulocytes. WBCs mainly contribute to immunity and defence mechanism.

Plasma

The liquid state of blood can be attributed to plasma, as it makes up ~55% of blood. It is pale yellow in colour and when separated, it consists of salts, nutrients, water and enzymes.

Platelets

Tiny disc-shaped cells help regulate blood flow when any part of the body is damaged, aiding in fast recovery through blood clotting.

Related questions

  1. What are the 4 functions of blood?
  2. Explain blood in detail.

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