What are the functions of the various blood components? What do abnormal amounts indicate?
Blood is the body fluid that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells and also transports the metabolic wastes away from those same cells. Blood has four main components; plasma, RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
Functions of various blood components
Plasma:
It is the liquid component of blood. It is a mixture of water, fat, sugar, protein, and salts. Function of plasma is to transport the blood cells throughout the body along with the nutrients, clotting proteins, antibodies, chemical messengers (hormones), waste products, and proteins that help in maintaining the fluid balance of the body.
Abnormal amount of plasma: Individuals with plasma disorders are usually at the higher risk of infections. Increased number of plasma cells invades and damages various organs and tissues. Antibody produced by the clone of the plasma cells sometimes damages the vital organs such as kidneys and bones. Abnormal protein amount in plasma can indicate potential health issues. Higher protein level can cause bone marrow disorder and infections.
Red blood cells (RBCs):
They are known for their bright red color. They are also known as erythrocytes. It is the most abundant cell of the blood. They contain hemoglobin protein that carries the oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body and returns of the carbon dioxide from the body to lungs. Blood appears red in color because of hemoglobin.
Abnormal amount of RBCs: Increased amount of RBCs in the blood is the condition known as polycythemia. Low level of RBCs in the blood indicated anemia in a person.
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