Components and Functions of Blood [Sec Bio] - Copy SOO ZHI XUAN

Components and Functions of Blood

1
Do you know what blood tests are for and what their results mean?

2
A blood test is used to check the health of the blood by measuring the quantities of
components found within it. These components include red blood cells, white blood
3 cells and platelets. Although the amount of plasma is not measured in a blood test, it is
an important component of the blood. No notes yet.
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The table below shows the blood test results:

Component Result Unit Referene Range

Red blood cells 3.4 1012/L (3.9 5.6)

Total white blood cells 6.8 109/L (4.0 11.0)

Platelets 262 109/L (140 440)

Notes:
The result column shows the amounts of the key components found in a blood
sample.
The reference range column shows the amount of each component a healthy
person should have.
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Q1

Study the blood test results and compare the amount of each component found in the

blood sample with the reference range.

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Below

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (1)

below

Feedback
The person's red blood cell count is 3.4 1012/L , below the reference range of 3.9 1012/L to 5.6
1012/L.

Within

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (1)

within

Feedback
The person's white blood cell count is 6.8 109/L , within the reference range of 4.0 109/L to 11.0
109/L.

Within

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (1)

within

Feedback
The person's platelet count is 262 109/L , within the reference range of 140 109/L to 440 109/L.

Feedback
The red blood cell count is below the reference range. We’ll return to these results to figure out how
this affects the body after learning about the functions of the blood components.

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Learn
Each component of blood carries out important functions in our body.

To interpret the blood test results, we need to know the functions of each component of
blood.
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Q2

Watch the videos below to learn about the functions of each component of the blood.

After each video, fill in the blanks in the table below to summarise what you have learnt.

red blood cells

04:33

Transport_in_animals_-_red_blood_cells.mp4

Each red blood cell contains a molecule known as haemoglobin , a red

pigment. It combines with oxygen to transport it from the lungs to the rest of

the body.

white blood cells

03:11

White_blood_cells_fuse_school.mp4

White blood cells protect the body from disease-causing organisms (pathogens).

There are two types of white blood cells:

Phagocytes carry out a process known as phagocytosis; they actively

seek out and angulf the pathogens.

Lymphocytes produce anti-bodies that bind to antigens found on

pathogens.

platelets

03:09

Platelets_and_blood_clotting_fuse_school.mp4

Platelets form a collagen at the site of a wound to stop bleeding .

The damaged tissue and platelets stimulate the conversion of the soluble

protein fibrinogen into insoluble sticky fibrin threads.

These threads form a mesh to trap the red blood cells, stopping

excessive loss of blood and preventing pathogens from entering the

bloodstream.

plasma

Blood_plasma__trimmed__fuse_school.mp4

Plasma transports the blood cells, platelets and various dissolved substances

around the body. These dissolved substances include:

soluble gases such as fibrinogen and enzymes;

nutrients such as sugars, amino acids and fats;

waste products such as urea and carbon dioxide; and

hormones

Plasma also plays important roles in controlling blood pressure, water levels and

body temperature .

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angulf

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (2)

engulf ingest

anti-bodies

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (2)

antibody antibodies

collagen

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (2)

clot plug

sticky fibrin

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (1)

fibrin

gases

Correct Answer(s) VIEW ALL (2)

protein proteins

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Apply

Q3
Now that you have learnt about the functions of the key components in blood, let us
interpret the blood test results from earlier.

a
Previously, you observed that the amount of one of the blood components was outside
of the reference range.

What is the function of this blood component?

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Clots blood to prevent excessive bleeding

Produces antibodies to defend against pathogens

Transports oxygen from the lungs to the body cells

Feedback
Red blood cells contain haemoglobin that combines with oxygen to transport it from the lungs
to the body cells.

Transports waste products around the body

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b
Which symptom will most likely be experienced by the person from whom the blood
sample was taken?

Bleeding that will not stop

Feeling dizzy and fatigued

Feedback
The blood test shows that the person has a low red blood cell count. The person could be
suffering from anaemia, a condition in which he/she does not have enough red blood cells to
carry oxygen around the body. Without enough oxygen, cells cannot respire to release enough
energy, thus causing him/her to feel dizzy or fatigued.

Taking longer to recover from infections

Swelling in hands and legs

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Check Your Understanding

Q4
There are two main functions of blood:
transporting various substances around the body and
protecting the body from pathogens

There is no question.

Q5
Drag and drop the options provided to match the blood component(s) with their
respective function(s).

platelets

white blood cells

plasma

red blood cells

Feedback
Revisit the key components of blood and their functions you learnt about earlier.

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