Name: Nadao, Priscilla A.
BSED Science 3D
Worksheet April 8
Blood Worksheet for College Students
Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your understanding of blood and its
functions. You may refer to your notes, textbooks, or conduct additional research if needed.
1. What are the main components of blood? Briefly describe each component's function.
The main components of blood include:
Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes) - Carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and
take carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) - Fight
infections and are part of the body's immune system.Platelets (Thrombocytes) - Help in
blood clotting and wound healing.Plasma - The liquid portion of blood, comprising water,
salts, and proteins, which transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
2. Explain the differences between red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells
(leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
Differences between erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes:
Erythrocytes - are disc-shaped cells that transport oxygen, do not have a nucleus, and
contain hemoglobin.Leukocytes - are part of the immune system, can be larger than red
blood cells, have a nucleus, and are involved in protecting the body against
infections.Thrombocytes - are cell fragments without a nucleus that play a key role in blood
clotting.3. Discuss the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells. How does it contribute to
the function of red blood cells?
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the
body and returns carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be expelled. Its ability to bind and
release oxygen is what makes red blood cells crucial for sustaining life.
4. Describe the process of blood clotting (coagulation). What are the key steps involved,
and why is it essential for wound healing?
Blood clotting or coagulation involves several key steps:
- Vasoconstriction to reduce blood flow. - Formation of a temporary "platelet plug." -
Activation of the coagulation cascade to stabilize the plug with fibrin threads, forming a
stable clot. This process is essential for preventing excessive bleeding and for wound
healing. 5. Explain the significance of blood typing in medical procedures, such as blood
transfusions. What are the major blood types, and why is compatibility important?
Blood typing is crucial for safe blood transfusions, organ transplants, and pregnancy care.
Major blood types include A, B, AB, and O, determined by the presence or absence of certain
antigens. Compatibility is vital to prevent adverse reactions.
6. Discuss the ABO blood group system and the Rh factor. How do these factors
determine an
individual's blood type?
The ABO blood group system is determined by the A and B antigens on red blood cells,
while the Rh factor is based on the presence of the RhD antigen. These factors combine to
give eight main blood types. Compatibility in these factors is crucial for safe blood
transfusions.7. What is the difference between antigens and antibodies in the context of
blood typing? How
do they relate to blood compatibility?
Antigens are substances that can induce an immune response, present on the surface of blood
cells, while antibodies are proteins in the plasma that target specific antigens. In blood typing,
the presence or absence of certain antigens and antibodies determines compatibility.8. Define
the terms "blood plasma" and "serum." How do these components differ, and what
role do they play in blood function?
Blood Plasma vs. Serum:
Plasma - is the liquid part of blood, containing water, salts, enzymes, antibodies, and other
proteins.Serum - is the fluid that remains after blood has clotted, lacking clotting factors like
fibrinogen.
Both play roles in transporting nutrients, hormones, and waste and in immune
responses. 9. Explain the concept of blood pH and its importance in maintaining
homeostasis within the
body. How does the body regulate blood pH levels?
Blood pH is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and is tightly regulated to stay between 7.35
and 7.45. The body regulates blood pH through respiratory and renal systems to ensure
enzyme systems and metabolic processes work efficiently.10. Discuss the common
disorders or diseases related to the blood, such as anemia, leukemia, and hemophilia.
What are their causes, symptoms, and potential treatments?
Common blood disorders include:
Anemia - Low red blood cell count or hemoglobin, causing fatigue and weakness.Leukemia
- Cancer of blood-forming tissues, leading to excessive white blood cells.Hemophilia - A
disorder that affects blood clotting.
Treatments vary from dietary changes and medications to chemotherapy and blood
transfusions.11. Describe the process of erythropoiesis. How are red blood cells produced
in the body, and what factors influence this process?
Erythropoiesis is the process of producing red blood cells, primarily in the bone marrow. It's
stimulated by erythropoietin (a hormone produced by the kidneys) in response to low oxygen
levels in the blood. Factors like nutrition, hormones, and chronic diseases can influence this
process.12. Briefly explain the functions of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and
capillaries. How do these vessels contribute to the circulation of blood throughout the
body?
Blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, work together to circulate blood
throughout the body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, veins return
oxygen-poor blood back to the heart, and capillaries connect them, facilitating the exchange
of oxygen, nutrients, and waste.Bonus Question:
● Research and discuss a recent breakthrough or advancement in the field of blood
research or
medical technology related to blood. How does this development impact our
understanding or treatment of blood-related conditions?
Recent advancements in blood research include the development of artificial blood, which
could revolutionize blood transfusions and treatment of blood-related conditions. This
development not only has the potential to alleviate blood shortages but also to ensure
compatibility and reduce transfusion-related infections.
