What are the contents of our blood?

Normally, 7-8% of human body weight is from blood. In adults, this amounts to 4-5 quarts of blood. This essential fluid carries out the critical functions of transporting oxygen and nutrients to our cells and getting rid of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other waste products. In addition, it plays a vital role in our immune system and in maintaining a relatively constant body temperature. Blood is a highly specialized tissue composed of many different kinds of components. Four of the most important ones are red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.

Red cells- or erythrocytes , are relatively large microscopic cells without nuclei.

White cells- or leukocytes , exist in variable numbers and types but make up a very small part of blood's volume--normally only about 1% in healthy people.

Platelets- or thrombocytes , are cell fragments without nuclei that work with blood clotting chemicals at the site of wounds.

Plasma- the relatively clear liquid water (92+%), sugar, fat, protein and salt solution which carries the red cells, white cells, platelets, and some other chemicals.

References:

http://http//anthro.palomar.edu/blood/blood_components.htm

http://sciencespot.net/Media/FrnsScience/bloodbasicscard1.pdf

Glossary:

Ammonia- a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3.