Chapter 19, Problem 4CYR

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether the following statements are true or false:

a. Erythrocyte is a biconcave disc with a prominent nucleus.

b. The main function of erythrocytes is to transport oxygen on the protein hemoglobin.

c. Hemoglobin forms oxyhemoglobin when it binds to oxygen.

d. Hemoglobin consists of two polypeptide chains bound to a heme group.

Introduction:

Blood, a fluid connective tissue, comprises plasma and formed elements. Plasma comprises water and plasma proteins, while the formed elements contain erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs), leukocytes or white blood cells (WBCs), and thrombocytes or platelets. Blood circulates throughout the body and performs all the important functions of the body, like the transport of gases, solutes, nutrients, hormones, maintenance of pH, blood clotting, and maintenance of blood pressure.