Question

Write a note on blood and its components.

Answer 1

Blood is a fluid connective tissue.
Blood contains corpuscles which are red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leucocytes), and platelets. In this fluid connective tissue, the blood cells move in a fluid matrix called. The plasma contains inorganic salts and organic substances. It is a main circulating fluid that helps in the transport of nutrient substances.

1. Red blood corpuscles (Erythrocytes):

1. The red blood corpuscles are oval-shaped, circular, biconcave disc-like and lack nucleus when mature (mammalian RBC).
2. They contain a respiratory pigment called haemoglobin which is involved in the transport of oxygen to tissues.

2. White blood corpuscles (Leucocytes): They are larger in size, contain a distinct nucleus, and are colorless. They are capable of amoeboid movement and play an important role in the body’s defense mechanism.

WBCs are of two types:

1. Granulocytes.
2. Agranulocytes.

i. Granulocytes have irregular-shaped nuclei and cytoplasmic granules. They include neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. Agranulocytes lack cytoplasmic granules and include lymphocytes and monocytes.

ii. Blood platelets: They are minute, anucleated, fragile fragments of giant bone marrow called megakaryocytes They play an important role in the blood clotting mechanisms.