Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

318 Chapter 13

Career

Focus

These are careers that are available to individuals interested in the blood.

● Blood bank technologists are allied health professionals who are responsible for the blood

typing of blood donors, newborns, and expectant mothers to detect the presence of ABO

antigens and the Rh factors. These individuals can also draw blood, support nurses and

physicians in blood transfusions, and investigate blood abnormalities such as hemolytic

anemias.^

●● Hematologists are medical specialists whose training is in the field of blood and the

blood-forming tissues. Such individuals usually work in a laboratory, which is part of

a medical center.^

●● Infectious disease specialists are physicians with advanced training in communi-

cable infectious diseases, some of which are transmitted by the blood-sucking bite of

an arthropod like a mosquito. Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause malaria and

yellow fever into the bloodstream of the insect’s victim. Many other infectious­

diseases such as AIDS and certain sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted by

blood and bodily fluid contact.

Summary Outline

Introduction

1. Blood is specialized connective tissue consisting of a

fluid part, called plasma, and the formed blood cells.^

2. The formed cells of blood include the red blood
   cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes, the white blood
   cells (WBCs) or leukocytes, and the platelets or
   thrombocytes.

The Functions of Blood

1. Transports oxygen from the lungs to the cells of

the body.^

2. Transports carbon dioxide from the cells to

the lungs for excretion.^

3. Transports nutrients, ions, and water from the

digestive- tract to cells.^

4. Transports waste products from cells to kidneys and

sweat glands.^

5. Transports hormones to target organs and enzymes to

body cells.^

6. Regulates body pH through its buffers and amino
   acids in its plasma.
   7. Helps regulate normal body temperature and
   the water content of cells.^


7. Helps prevent fluid loss through the clotting
   mechanism.^


8. Protects against foreign microbes and toxins
   through its combat cells or leukocytes.

The Classification of Blood

Cells and The Composition

of Plasma

1.^ Blood is composed of the following elements:^
A.^ Erythrocytes or red blood cells^
B. Leukocytes or white blood cells, which are
subdivided into^
1.^ Granular leukocytes (three types)^
a.^ Neutrophils^
b.^ Eosinophils^
c.^ Basophils^
2. Agranular or nongranular leukocytes
(two types)^
a.^ Monocytes^
b.^ Lymphocytes^
C. Thrombocytes or platelets