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Introduction to the cardiovascular system - blood

Blood cells

A single drop of blood contains millions of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. One of each type is shown here (from left to right) isolated from a scanning electron micrograph.

Chapter objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

Identify the primary functions of blood, its fluid and cellular components, and its physical characteristics
Identify the most important proteins and other solutes present in blood plasma
Describe the formation of the formed element components of blood
Discuss the structure and function of red blood cells and hemoglobin
Explain the significance of AB and Rh blood groups in blood transfusions
Discuss a variety of blood disorders

The human body needs blood to deliver nutrients to and remove wastes from our trillions of cells. The heart pumps blood throughout the body in a network of blood vessels. Together, these three components—blood, heart, and vessels—makes up the cardiovascular system. This chapter focuses on the medium of transport: blood.

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Read also:

OpenStax, Human biology. OpenStax CNX. Dec 01, 2015 Download for free at http://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11903/1.3

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