Blood is a vital tissue in the human body that is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other molecules to every part of the body. Blood is composed of various types of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. In this article, we will explore in-depth the different types of blood cells and their constituents beyond the basics.
The Components of Blood
Blood consists of two main components: plasma and blood cells. Plasma is a yellowish liquid made up mostly of water, electrolytes, and proteins. Blood cells, on the other hand, are solid cellular components that include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells (RBCs) are also called erythrocytes. They are the most abundant blood cells in the human body, making up about 40-45% of the total blood volume. RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
The Composition of Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are disc-shaped and contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds with oxygen and gives RBCs their distinctive red color. Hemoglobin consists of heme, an iron-containing molecule, and globin, a protein made up of four polypeptide chains.
In addition to hemoglobin, RBCs also contain enzymes and structural proteins that help maintain the shape and flexibility of the cell membrane. One such protein is spectrin, which forms a lattice-like network beneath the cell membrane and helps RBCs maintain their biconcave shape.
Formation of Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis. Erythropoiesis is regulated by a hormone called erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidney in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.
During erythropoiesis, progenitor cells in the bone marrow differentiate into immature RBCs called reticulocytes. Reticulocytes contain a small amount of residual RNA and can be detected in the blood using a stain called a reticulocyte count.
After about two days, reticulocytes mature into fully functional RBCs and are released into the bloodstream. The lifespan of an RBC is about 120 days, after which it is removed from circulation by the spleen and liver.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes, are a critical part of the immune system. They defend the body against infections and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The Types of White Blood Cells
There are five main types of white blood cells, each with a specific function:
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes, which means they have granules in their cytoplasm that contain enzymes and other proteins. Lymphocytes and monocytes are agranulocytes and do not contain granules.
The Composition of White Blood Cells
White blood cells are nucleated cells, meaning they contain a nucleus and other organelles. They are also more substantial than RBCs, with diameters ranging from 10 to 15 micrometers.
Each type of white blood cell has distinctive features that distinguish it from the others. For example, neutrophils have a multi-lobed nucleus and are highly phagocytic, while lymphocytes are involved in adaptive immunity and can produce antibodies to specific antigens.
Formation of White Blood Cells
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow through a process called leukopoiesis. Leukopoiesis is regulated by a complex interplay between various growth factors and cytokines, which stimulate the production and differentiation of different white blood cell lineages.
White blood cells can also be produced in other tissues such as the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus. However, the majority of WBCs are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream.
Platelets
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are small, irregularly shaped cells that play a critical role in blood clotting. They are not true cells but rather fragments of large precursor cells called megakaryocytes.
The Composition of Platelets
Platelets contain various proteins, enzymes, and other molecules involved in blood clotting. One such molecule is fibrinogen, which is converted to fibrin during coagulation and forms a mesh-like network that stabilizes the clot.
Platelets also contain granules that release factors that promote clotting, such as serotonin and thromboxane A2. Additionally, platelets can adhere to damaged blood vessels and release chemicals that promote healing and inflammation.
Formation of Platelets
Platelets are formed in the bone marrow through a process called thrombopoiesis. Thrombopoiesis is regulated by a hormone called thrombopoietin, which is produced by the liver and kidneys.
Megakaryocytes in the bone marrow extend long, branching processes called proplatelets into the bloodstream. Proplatelets break up into small fragments that are released into the bloodstream as platelets.
The Importance of Blood Cells
Blood cells play vital roles in maintaining the health and functionality of the human body. Without red blood cells, oxygen could not be transported to tissues and organs, and without white blood cells, the body would be vulnerable to infections and diseases.
Platelets also play an essential role in preventing excessive bleeding and promoting tissue repair. These different types of blood cells function synergistically to maintain homeostasis and keep the body healthy.
Conclusion
Blood cells are complex, multi-faceted cellular components that perform a wide range of functions in the human body. From transporting oxygen to defending against infection to promoting tissue repair, blood cells play indispensable roles in maintaining the health and functionality of the body.
FAQs
- Q. What are blood cells made of?
- Q. What is the function of red blood cells?
- Q. What is the function of white blood cells?
- Q. What is the function of platelets?
- Q. How are blood cells produced?
A. Blood cells are made up of various types of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. There are three main types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
A. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
A. White blood cells defend the body against infections and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
A. Platelets play a critical role in blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding, and promoting tissue repair.
A. Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow through a process called hematopoiesis.
References
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- Klein HG, Anstee DJ. Mollison’s Blood Transfusion in Clinical Medicine. 12th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing; 2014.
- Perkins J. Blood. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Published December 19, 2017. Accessed October 11, 2021. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/blood/
- Robbins SL, Cotran RS. Pathologic Basis of Disease. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1984.