What is blood? Describe its components?

Blood

1. Blood is a fluid connective tissue that consists of plasma, blood cells and platelets.
2. It circulates throughout our body supplies oxygen and nutrients to various cells and tissues.

Components of the blood

Plasma

1. The liquid portion of blood is called as plasma.
2. It is pale yellow in colour.

Red blood cells (Erythrocytes):

1. RBCs are biconcave cells and without nucleus in humans also known as erythrocytes.
2. RBCs contain the iron-rich protein called haemoglobin that give blood its red colour.
3. RBCs are produced in bone marrows.
4. Their main function is to transport oxygen from and to various tissues and organs.

White blood cells (Leucocytes)

1. Leucocytes are colourless blood cells. They are colourless because they lack haemoglobin.
2. They are further classified as granulocytes and agranulocytes.
3. WBCs mainly contribute to immunity and defence mechanism.

Platelets

1. Tiny disc-shaped cells that help regulate blood flow when any part of the body is damaged, thereby aiding in fast recovery through clotting of blood.