What are the ingredients in blood?

1. Plasma (Liquid Part):

- Makes up about 55% of blood volume.

- Components of plasma include:

- Water (92%)

- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, etc.)

- Proteins (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen, etc.)

- Hormones

- Nutrients (glucose, amino acids, lipids)

- Waste products (urea, creatinine, uric acid)

- Gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide)

2. Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes):

- Make up about 45% of blood volume.

- Contain the protein hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and transports it throughout the body.

- Also play a role in carbon dioxide transport.

- Have a biconcave shape, which increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange.

3. White Blood Cells (Leukocytes):

- Defend the body against infection and disease.

- Make up less than 1% of blood volume.

- Several types of white blood cells include neutrophils, lymphocytes (T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells), monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

4. Platelets (Thrombocytes):

- Play a crucial role in blood clotting and stopping bleeding.

- Make up less than 1% of blood volume.

- When blood vessels are damaged, platelets become activated, adhere to the site of injury, and aggregate to form a platelet plug.