Blood

If there is one thing that can be called as the lifeline, it most certainly
will be ​blood​. Without it, the food that you eat cannot be transported
to different ​cells​. Oxygen cannot reach the cells nor can waste be
eliminated. Even growth cannot happen, as hormones in our body
flow through the system, through blood. Read along to find more fun
and scientific facts.

What exactly is blood?

Blood is a special fluid that is actually a connective tissue. We can call

it a ​transport​ liquid which is pumped by the heart to different parts of
the body, after which it comes back again to the heart. This is a
process​ that happens continuously in your body, till your heart beats.
The cells of the body are highly susceptible and they need a constant
supply of blood. If its flow stops, death can occur within minutes.

It consists of the following components:

● Plasma ( fluid matrix)

 ● Blood cells

The complex working of blood

(Source: WebMD)

In ​humans​, the role of blood is very significant and it has a very

complex working structure. Its circulation helps in maintaining its
constancy in the ​composition​. ​Circulation​ is a process through which
blood travels all around the body, to different organs through
specialized blood vessels.

At any given time, depending on the organ from which blood is

moving in or moving out, it’s configuration changes. Of course, the
basic ​components​ remain same. But the content of the plasma
changes. When blood travels to the lungs, it takes in ​oxygen​ and gives
out carbon dioxide that is got from the tissues. In the intestines, food
gets into the bloodstream, after absorption, which then is transported
to other cells in different parts of the body. Even the waste products
are transported to the eliminating organs through blood. The plasma
also carries the chemical messengers, the hormones to the target
organs.

There is a fair bit of recycling also that happens. Take, for example,
the ​iron​ that is released due to the destruction of old RBC’s is taken
back to the sites of new RBC production and used once again. At any
given time, there should be an appropriate level of concentration of
the different components. There is a very effective regulatory
mechanism that ensures that this happens.

Main Components of Blood

Plasma

It is a clear, slightly sticky, yellowish coloured liquid that contains the

dissolved proteins, mineral ions, glucose, hormones, carbon dioxide,
including the blood cells. Around 90% of the plasma is made up of
water and around 6 % of it constitutes the proteins. Albumin is the
main protein in the plasma, which regulates the ​osmotic blood
pressure​. 55% of the blood fluid is made up of plasma.

Blood Cells

These constitute the other half, around 45%. There are three types of
cells, namely:

● Erythrocytes or Red Blood cells ( RBC)

● Leucocytes or White Blood Cells ( WBC)
● Thrombocytes or Platelets

​ hey form around 40%-45% of its volume. They are

Erythrocytes – T
generated from the bone marrow at an astonishing rate of four to five
billion cells per hour. The lifespan of these cells is 120 days. The
RBCs are destroyed in the organ called spleen, which is also called as
the graveyard of RBC. These cells are red in colour, due to the
presence of haemoglobin, which is an iron-containing complex
protein.

Leucocytes – ​They account for 1 % of the total volume, but have a

very important role to play. They help in fighting diseases and attack
the foreign bodies in the blood. These cells are colourless as they do
not have haemoglobin. They are also constantly generated from the
bone marrow.

Thrombocytes – ​These are cell fragments that are produced from the
specialized cells of the bone marrow. Their role is very significant.
They are responsible for controlling bleeding or in clotting of blood.

Fast Facts
● It is a fluid connective tissue.
● It has two main components – The fluid Plasma and the blood
cells.
● RBCs – Number ranges between four million and six million
per cubic millimetre.
● WBCs – Number ranges between 4,500 and 11,000 per cubic
millimetre.
● Platelets – 150,000 to 400,000 per cubic millimetre.
● The spleen is the graveyard of RBCs.
● It is red in colour due to the presence of haemoglobin.
● RBCs are without a nucleus and are biconcave in shape.
● WBCs are nucleated.
● Plasma is 90% water and has around 6 % of proteins.
 ● The lifespan of RBCs is 120 days.

Solved Question For you

Q: What are the major components of blood?

Ans: Blood is made up of two main components – Plasma and Blood

cells. Plasma is a straw-coloured viscous fluid which is 90% water and
has many proteins in it. It also has mineral ions, glucose, hormones,
carbon dioxide. It makes up for 55 % of the blood. The other 55% of
it is made up blood cells. These cells are of three types: Erythrocytes
(RBC), Leucocytes (WBC) and Thrombocytes.

Q: Write a few lines on leucocytes.

Ans: Leucocytes are also called WBC’s. They are devoid of any
colour and do not have haemoglobin. They are nucleated cells. Even
though they account for only 1% of the volume, they have a very
important role to play in being healthy and fighting diseases. There are
two main types of WBCs – Agranulocytes and granulocytes.
Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are the different types of
granulocytes. Lymphocytes and monocytes are agranulocytes.

Lymph

Human body runs perfectly with many internal systems and

mechanisms in place. We all know some of these systems such as the
digestive​, circulatory, nervous, respiratory, ​excretory systems​ etc.
There is another important system called the lymphatic system and
lymph itself which play a significant role in the functioning of the
body.

The Lymphatic System

 (Source: Britannica)

The lymphatic system can be called as a subsystem of the ​circulatory

system​ in vertebrates. It consists of a complex network of lymphatic
vessels, ​tissues​, and ​organs​. The primary function of this system is to
transport lymph throughout the body. It also helps in maintaining the
fluid balance in the body, wherein it collects excess fluid and other
particulate matter from the tissues and deposits in the bloodstream.
Another function of the lymphatic system is that it defends the body
against infections with the disease-fighting cells called the
lymphocytes.

What is Lymph?
 (Source: Britannica)

In simple ​words​, it is called the tissue fluid. It is a colourless fluid

containing lymphocytes. Another name for it is interstitial fluid. It also
carries nutrients, ​hormones​ etc.

Connection between the Circulatory system and Lymphatic system

Blood carries oxygen, nutrients etc. to the ​cells​ in the body. We all
know that exchange of these nutrients and ​gases​ happens between the
blood and the cells. This exchange always occurs in the lymph. The
lymphatic system has an extensive network of vessels, which collects
this fluid and ultimately drains it to the major veins. On its way,
lymph gets filtered through lymphatic organs and lymph nodes.
Tonsils, spleen, adenoids, thymus are all part of the lymphatic system.

Solved Questions For You

Q: Which is the largest lymphatic organ in the body? Write a few lines
about it.

Ans: The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ, which is located on the
left side of the human body. The spleen ​controls​ the number of red
blood cells and it also helps fight infection. When the spleen detects
dangerous bacteria or viruses in the ​blood​, along with the lymph
nodes, it creates white blood cells called as the lymphocytes which
attack the microbes. The antibodies produced by lymphocytes kill the
microbes, thus preventing the infection from spreading.

Q: State two major differences between blood and lymph.

Ans:

Blood Lymph
 It is a red coloured fluid that It is a colourless fluid that does not
contains RBC, WBC, platelets, have RBCs. It also has the
plasma, and ​proteins​. plasma, WBCs, and platelets.

It maintains the fluid balance in the

Blood transports nutrients and body. Lymph plays a role in the
gases from one organ to the other. defence mechanism and the
immune system of the body.

Circulatory Pathways

Exchange of gases and ​nutrients in animals​ happens through

specialized systems. When you look at the ​animal kingdom​ chart, you
begin to see how circulatory pathways have evolved. They are the
most primitive at the bottom of the animal kingdom and we move up
the different phyla, we begin to see complex systems beginning to
form. You can clearly see the difference in arthropods, molluscs as
well as in chordates and annelids. Let us look into how this exchange
happens in chordates, especially humans.

What are Circulatory Pathways?

Every other cell, ​tissue​, and organ in the body is impacted to a great
extent by the circulatory system of the body. This system is the most
complex system, with the three main components of blood, blood
vessels, and heart. The blood travels through the entire body through
the arteries and veins. This is how circulation occurs in the body.

The pattern through which circulation happens is called the

Circulatory pathway. This pathway can be classified into two types –
The open system of circulation and the closed system of ​circulation​.

The open system of circulation is clearly visible in the two phyla

Arthropoda and Mollusca. Here the blood that is pumped by the heart
goes through large vessels into the open body cavities. But, when you
see two other prominent phyla, Phylum Annelida and Phylum
Chordata, you can see that there is a closed circulatory system. Blood
is always circulated through closed blood vessels here. This closed
pathway is said to be more advantageous, as the blood flow can be
regulated with precision.

Browse more Topics under Body Fluids And Circulation

● Blood
● Lymph
● Double Circulation
 ● Disorders of Circulatory System

Circulatory systems in Vertebrates

Vertebrates display some advanced features when compared to the

non-vertebrates. All vertebrate animals have a chambered heart. In
fishes, it is a two-chambered heart whereas, in amphibians and
reptiles, it is a three-chambered heart. The ​exceptions​ here are the
crocodiles, which along with birds and mammals have a
four-chambered heart.

On one hand, fishes show single circulation while on the other,

amphibians and reptiles show incomplete double circulation. Birds
and mammals have two separate circulatory pathways, displaying
double circulation​.
 (Source: Wikipedia)

Human Circulatory System

It is a complicated system that works efficiently in order for the other

systems to function smoothly. To get a better understanding of this
system, it is crucial to know about the structure of the heart, heartbeat
and a few other important ​aspects​. Let us explore them one by one.

Types of Circulation

The main components of the human circulatory system are the

4-chambered heart, the complex network of blood vessels- arteries and
veins and ​blood​. In humans, blood travels through two types of
pathways – the pulmonary circulation (pathway) and the systemic
circulation (pathway).

● Pulmonary circulation​ – Here the blood without oxygen, called

as the deoxygenated blood travels from the right side of the
heart to the lungs. In the lungs, exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide takes place, and the blood now becomes oxygenated
(with oxygen).
● Systemic circulation ​– Here, oxygenated blood, i.e. blood with
oxygen travels from the left side of the heart to different areas
of the body. Here, at different organ sites, there is an exchange
of gases, nutrients, and waste through interstitial fluids. The
deoxygenated blood now goes back to the right side of the
heart.

Structure of the Heart

The human heart is roughly about the size of a closed fist. It is the
body’s circulatory pump that pumps blood to various organs in the
body. It weighs around 280 to 340 grams in men and around 230 to
280 grams in women. Heart is situated in the thoracic cavity, tilted
slightly to the left side of the body.

The heart is encased in a double-walled sac called the pericardium.

This protects the heart, and also anchors it inside the chest, between
the two lungs. Between the outer and inner pericardial layer, the
pericardial fluid is present which lubricates the heart.

There are a total of 4 chambers in the human heart – the two upper
chambers called the right atrium and the left atrium, and the two lower
chambers called the right ventricle and left ventricle. The right atrium
and the right ventricle together may be called the right heart. The left
atrium with the left ventricle together can be called as the left heart.
Both the sides of the heart are separated by a muscular wall called the
septum. Even the ventricles and the atria are separated by muscular
septa.

Chambers of the Heart

The chambers of the heart are connected through a small opening in

the septa. These openings are guarded by valves. There are different
types of valves. They are:

● Tricuspid valve – Formed by three muscular flaps or cusps,

guarding the opening between the right atrium and right
ventricle.
● Bicuspid valve or mitral valve – It guards the opening in
between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
● Aortic valve – Controls the blood flow out of the ventricles and
is present in between the aorta and left ventricle
● Pulmonary valve – Controls blood flow out of the ventricles
and is present in between the pulmonary artery and right
ventricle.
There are many blood vessels that go in and out of the heart. Veins,
arteries, and capillaries form this intense network. Veins carry
deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart. Arteries carry
oxygenated blood away from the heart to different parts of the body.
The longest artery that leaves the heart is called the aorta. In between
the vein and arteries, small tube-like vessels called the capillaries form
a network.

The cardiac muscles make up the heart. The ventricular walls are
thicker than the atrial walls. The cardiac muscles have a special nodal
tissue called the Sino-atrial node and the atrioventricular node. There
is also a bundle of nodal fibres called the atrioventricular bundle (AV
bundle). These branch out into right and left bundles. The right and
left bundles further branch out into minute fibres called the Purkinje
fibres, throughout the ventricular musculature of the heart. These
fibres along with right and left bundles are known as the bundle of
His.

The most distinguishing feature of this nodal musculature is that it has

the ability to generate electrical impulses, without any external
stimuli.
Heartbeat

What is a heartbeat and how does it happen?

In the simplest terms, heartbeat means the pulse of the heart. Pulse or
Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. (A
rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the chambers of the heart)

You must know this fact that our heart beats at an average rate of 72
beats per minute. How does this rhythmic beat of the heart occur?

The four chambers of the heart i.e. the atria and the ventricles work
together. They contract and relax alternately to pump blood through
the heart. There are some electrical impulses that trigger the
heartbeat. These impulses are the power source that makes heartbeat
possible.

These impulses start at the Sinoatrial node, which is known as the

heart’s natural pacemaker. When this electrical activity starts to spread
through the muscular walls of the atria, it results in contraction. The
Atrioventricular node slows the electrical signals before it enters the
ventricles. And so, the atria contract first, followed by the ventricular
contraction. The ventricles contract after receiving the impulse
through the bundle of His.

Cardiac Cycle

You now know what a heartbeat is and the triggers that trigger the
heart to beat. But, did you know that there are a few events that take
place during one heartbeat? This is nothing but the cardiac cycle. The
duration of the cardiac cycle is about 0.8 seconds and each ventricle
pumps about 70 ml of blood, which is called the stroke ​volume​.

(Source: Wikipedia)

There are three phases of a cardiac cycle. They are:

● Atrial systole
● Ventricular systole
 ● Relaxation

During the atrial systole phase, the atria contract and push the blood
into the ventricles. Here, the atrioventricular valves and semilunar
valves play a major role. The former valves stay open while the
semilunar valves stay closed to stop the arterial blood from re-entering
the heart. The ventricles at this stage are in diastole.

In the next phase, the ventricles contract and push blood into the aorta
and the pulmonary trunk. The pressure with which the ventricles push
blood forces the semilunar valves to open. The atrioventricular valves
close. Thus blood flows from ventricles into the arteries. The atria are
now in a state of diastole during this phase.

During the relaxation phase, the four chambers of the heart are in
diastole. Blood goes into the heart from the veins. During this time,
the ventricles fill up to about 75% of their capacity. They get
completely filled after the atria enter systole. At this juncture, the
cardiac muscle cells of the ventricles repolarize and prepare for the
next round of depolarization and contraction.

Cardiac Output
Did you know that each ventricle pumps out an average of 5litres of
blood every minute? This is nothing but the cardiac output. Our bodies
have this great capability to alter the heart rate, stroke volume, and
cardiac output.

The cardiac output of man resting and that of a running athlete is

different. The athlete’s cardiac output will be much higher.

ECG

ECG means an electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical

activity of the heart at rest. It gives information about the heart rate,
heart rhythm, and enlargement of the heart if any and also evidence of
any previous heart attacks.
 (Source: Wikipedia)

Solved Questions For You

Q: Why is the Sinoatrial node called the pacemaker?

Ans: The heart is made up of cardiac muscles. A specialized nodal

tissue called the Sinoatrial node is present in the upper part of the right
atrium. This nodal musculature has the ability to generate electrical
impulses, without any external stimuli. The electrical impulse then
triggers a sequence of events leading to the rhythmic beating of the
heart. The Sinoatrial node is responsible for initiating and maintaining
the rhythmic beats of the heart. For this very reason, it is called as the
natural pacemaker.

Double Circulation

Humans in the ​animal kingdom​, show the highest levels of

specialization. In fact, birds and mammals show a specialized feature
called as the double circulation. If you have guessed that this has
something to do with the ​circulatory system​, you are bang on target.

Double Circulation

A circulatory path is a path taken by the ​blood​, wherein it travels

throughout the different ​organs​ of the body through arteries and veins.
In humans, it is a ​closed circulatory system​ that exists, as blood flows
in closed blood vessels. The circulatory system is responsible for the
transport of gases, ​nutrients​, ​waste​ products etc.
 (Source: Wikipedia)

Mechanism Of Double Circulation

Double circulation is the most efficient way of ​circulation​. Here, in

humans, the four-chambered heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries all
have a vital role to play. Blood gets pumped out of the heart. This
blood goes to different organs and then blood again comes back to the
heart. All this happens in a very systematic way through the different
arteries and veins carrying oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

In double circulation, there are two pathways in which blood flows.

They are:

● Pulmonary pathway
 ● Systemic pathway.

The pulmonary circulation or pathway carries the deoxygenated blood

from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Exchange of ​oxygen​ and
carbon dioxide takes place in the lungs and the blood is now
oxygenated (with oxygen).

Through the systemic circulation, oxygenated blood travels from the

left side of the heart to the other areas of the body. At various organ
sites, exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste through ​lymph​ occurs.
This deoxygenated blood again goes back to the right side of the heart.

The pulmonary circuit and the systemic circuit work together. This
ensures that deoxygenated blood goes to the lungs through the
pulmonary artery while the oxygenated blood from the aorta reaches
the different organs and ​tissues​.

Browse more Topics under Body Fluids And Circulation

● Blood
● Lymph
● Circulatory Pathways
 ● Disorders of Circulatory System

Capillary exchange

(Source: Wikipedia)

The arteries and veins have an extensive network throughout the body
carrying oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood. The smallest of
these arteries and veins are connected each other through the
capillaries.

The capillaries at the arterial end allow ​materials​ such as water,

glucose, oxygen, and ​amino acids​ to diffuse out. Capillaries also
transport wastes and carbon dioxide to organs which can dispose of
them. And so, the waste products enter near the venous ends of the
capillaries. To maintain the blood volume, water diffuses in and out of
capillaries.

Through the process of capillary exchange, oxygen leaves RBCs in the

bloodstream and enters all the other cells of the body. Nutrients also
diffuse out of the bloodstream into other ​cells​. Simultaneously, the
other cells expel the waste products which enter the capillaries.
Carbon dioxide also diffuses out of the cells and enters into the
capillaries, at the venous end.

These venous ends of the capillaries are connected with the smaller
veins and venules, which join the larger veins. These veins now have
deoxygenated blood. Through the main vein called as vena cava,
blood enters the right atrium chamber of the heart, from where
pulmonary circulation starts.

Video on Body Fluids & Circulation

Solved Questions For You

Q: What is the significance of double circulation in humans?

Ans: Double circulation is a distinguishing characteristic of the human
circulatory system. It is very significant as it allows for proper
circulation of blood, without the mixing of the oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood. This separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood allows for an efficient supply of oxygen to the body cells and
delivers a greater blood flow rate.

Disorders of Circulatory System

We all know that the heart beats nonstop. But, have you ever
wondered what would happen, if some part of the ​circulatory system
does not function well? What would be the repercussions? You must
be very familiar with a heart attack and high blood pressure. Both of
these come under disorders of circulatory system. Let us analyse
these further.

Disorders of Circulatory System

The circulatory system seen in ​humans​ is a complex mechanism. It

functions 24/7, ensuring that there is a proper flow of ​blood​ to all parts
of the body. The heart beats nonstop and there is an exchange of ​gases
and ​nutrients​ that happen. Interruptions and blockages in the blood
vessels affect the way the heart pumps blood. Sometimes, these can
cause some major complications leading to heart disease and even
stroke. Complications also arise due to different lifestyle factors as
well as genetic factors.

Diseases of the Circulatory system

(Source: Wikipedia)

Hypertension

Often called as the silent killer, high blood pressure does not show any
symptoms. High blood pressure often damages the heart and leads to
heart diseases and can also affect other vital ​organs​.
Our bodies have a constant rate of blood pressure. This is a
measurement of the force that is used to pump blood through the
arteries. The normal range of blood pressure in humans is 120/80
mmHg. The two values denote the Systolic and Diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure is the force inside the arteries when the heart beats.
The diastolic blood pressure is measured when the heart is at rest, i.e.
in between the heartbeats.

In high blood pressure, the force with which the heart pumps out
blood is high. If the blood pressure, of an individual, is at 140/90
mmHg, then it indicates hypertension.

Coronary Heart Diseases

(Source: Britannica)
Most often it is also called as atherosclerosis. It primarily affects the
blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, which are the arteries.
The arteries get hardened because of the deposition of plaque. Plaque
is generally made up of fat, cholesterol, ​calcium​, clotting agents, ​cell
debris, etc. which are normally found circulating in the blood. A build
up over time restricts or fully blocks the blood flow. Blood clots also
block the arteries.

Heart Attack

One of the most infamous disorders of circulatory system is the heart

attack. In medical terms, heart attacks are called as Myocardial
Infarction. When enough blood does not reach the heart due to
blockages, a heart attack happens, which damages the heart muscle.
Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of having a heart
attack include high fat and cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking,
family history, diabetes, stress, obesity, inactive lifestyle, age and
gender​.

Angina

Angina Pectoris is the medical name for chest pain due to coronary
heart disease. Here, the heart does not receive enough blood mainly
because the arteries of the heart are narrowed or blocked. It causes
uncomfortable ​pressure​ and pain in the centre of the chest.

Heart Failure

It is a state when the heart does not pump blood effectively to meet the
needs of the body. A few early symptoms include swelling of the
ankles, fatigue, and an increased need to urinate at night. Rapid
breathing, chest pain, and fainting are the severe symptoms of heart
failure.

Solved Questions For You

Q: Differentiate between cardiac arrest, heart attack and heart failure.

Ans: All the above-mentioned diseases are the ​diseases​ of the

cardiovascular system. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops
beating. A heart attack happens when the heart muscle gets damaged
due to the inadequate blood supply. Heart failure is a condition where
the heart does not pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.