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Blood Disorders

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Submitted By homeworksucks
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Blood Disorders
Shanna Strouble
HCA/240
Jerrica Ampadu

Blood is an important part of life and plays a vital role in the protection against infections, and the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. “Other functions of blood include: the transportation of hormones, the regulation of the body’s acidity levels, and body temperature.” (What is blood? What does blood do? September 12 2014. p1)Last updated: 12 Sep 2014 It is made up of several different portions of what is referred to as blood components. Those components consist of blood cells, blood plasma and platelets.
There are two types of blood cells; red and white, with both having to major functions that are important to sustain life. The red blood cells help carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and then returns carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs so it can be exhaled. Due to a special protein called hemoglobin. They account for about 40-45 percent of the body's blood, which appears red because of its large number. There are two main populations of white blood cells, which are T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. The T lymphocytes help regulate the function of other immune cells and directly attack various infected cells and tumors. The B lymphocytes make antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target bacteria, viruses, and other foreign materials.
Blood plasma is another crucial essential to life because it is the fluid that carries blood cells, palates and other components throughout the body. It is 92 percent water and constitutes 55 percent of blood volume. Plasma serves a variety of functions, from maintaining a satisfactory blood pressure and volume to supplying critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. It also serves as the medium for exchange of vital minerals such as sodium and potassium and helps to maintain a proper pH level.
Platelets

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