Chapter 33: Problem 5

List the three cell-based components of blood and describe the structure and principal functions of each.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The three cell-based components of blood are red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. RBCs, or erythrocytes, are biconcave, disk-shaped cells without a nucleus and organelles, primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. WBCs, or leukocytes, are larger cells with a nucleus and organelles, divided into granulocytes and agranulocytes, responsible for defending the body against infection and disease. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, irregularly shaped cell fragments without a nucleus, originating from megakaryocytes, and play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Step by step solution

Identify the three cell-based components of blood

The three cell-based components of blood are: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

Describe the structure and principal functions of red blood cells (RBCs)

Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, are biconcave, disk-shaped cells lacking a nucleus and organelles. Their primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and remove carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs. The biconcave shape increases the surface area for efficient gas exchange, and the lack of a nucleus and organelles creates more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for binding and releasing oxygen.

Describe the structure and principal functions of white blood cells (WBCs)

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are larger than RBCs and have a nucleus and other organelles. They are divided into two main categories: granulocytes and agranulocytes. Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) have granules in their cytoplasm that contain enzymes and other substances involved in the immune response. Agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) lack these granules. WBCs are primarily responsible for defending the body against infection and disease through phagocytosis, antibody production, and other immune responses.

Describe the structure and principal functions of platelets

Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are small, irregularly shaped cell fragments without a nucleus. They originate from large cells called megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, which is the process that prevents excessive blood loss from injuries. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets stick together, forming a plug, and release chemicals that initiate the coagulation cascade, ultimately resulting in the formation of a stable blood clot.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

List the three cell-based components of blood and describe the structure and principal functions of each.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the three cell-based components of blood

Describe the structure and principal functions of red blood cells (RBCs)

Describe the structure and principal functions of white blood cells (WBCs)

Describe the structure and principal functions of platelets

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Ecology

Genetic Information

Cell Communication

Biology Experiments

Ecological Levels

Cells

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.