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The mysterious function of blood: Why does it carry oxygen and nutrients?
In our body, blood is not only a transportation channel connecting various organs, but also a key factor in maintaining life. Its main functions include supplying necessary oxygen and nutrients to cells and transporting waste products produced during metabolism. So how exactly does blood accomplish these vital tasks?
The composition of blood
Blood is composed of blood cells and plasma. It is said that about 55% of blood is plasma, a slightly straw-yellow liquid whose components mainly include water (about 92%), protein, glucose, minerals and hormones. Blood cells mainly include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells are the most abundant and their main function is to carry oxygen.
Red blood cells, the main component of blood cells, contain hemoglobin, which can reversibly combine with oxygen to increase its solubility in the blood.
Transportation of oxygen and nutrients
About 98.5% of the oxygen in the blood of an adult is chemically bound to hemoglobin. The presence of hemoglobin increases the oxygen carrying capacity of blood by 70 times. When we inhale oxygen, the oxygen enters the blood in the lungs, and then the blood transports the oxygen to various cells throughout the body through the arteries. This process makes full use of the characteristics of blood flow.
The color of blood also changes with the degree of oxidation of hemoglobin. When saturated with oxygen, blood appears bright red; during the deoxidation process, blood appears dark red.
Waste removal
In addition to supplying oxygen and nutrients, blood also plays an important role in transporting metabolic waste. For example, carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is transported from the cells back to the lungs through the blood and ultimately excreted by the respiratory system. About 70% of the carbon dioxide in the blood is converted into bicarbonate ions, and the remainder exists in dissolved form or combined with hemoglobin.
Immune and coagulation function
Another important function of blood is to participate in the body's immune response. White blood cells are found in the blood and are responsible for fighting infections and pathogens and detecting foreign substances. Platelets are an indispensable component of blood coagulation. When bleeding occurs, they can quickly gather at the injured site and form thrombus to prevent blood loss. The presence of these two types of cells allows our bodies to respond quickly when faced with external threats.
Blood is not only the transportation system, but also the immune defense line of our body, which virtually protects our health.
Thermoregulation and fluid balance
Blood can also regulate body temperature through changes in blood flow. In a hot environment or during exercise, blood flows to the surface of the skin, thereby warming it up and promoting heat dissipation. In a cold environment, blood flow from the surface to the extremities is reduced to maintain a stable core body temperature. In addition, blood is also involved in fluid balance in the body, helping to regulate the water status of cells.
Conclusion
Overall, blood plays a vital role in our bodies, and its mysterious workings provide us with everything we need to live. But whether this all works sustainably depends on how we think about and care for our health?
