Blood
From NoBlood
Blood is a circulating organ consisting of a straw colored viscous fluid called plasma, and formed elements; red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and cell fragments called platelets (thrombocytes). These elements are formed in the bone marrow from extraordinary cells called hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells, the most powerful and rarest type being the pluripotent stem cell, the mother of them all. The heart pumps blood through the arteries, veins and capillaries called the circulatory system. Blood provides life-supporting functions of the human body: transporting nutrients such as oxygen and glucose to the rest of the cells and organs, carries away waste matter such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, prevents blood loss by healing wounds, and plays a major role in protecting the body against infection. The complexity of blood is so astounding that there is a great deal yet to be discovered by scientists.
The Greek word for blood is "haim" or "haimo". Many medical terms begin with "hemo" or "hemato" which is related to blood.
[edit] Other Facts About Blood
- Whole blood refers to all of blood's cellular components and plasma.
- Pluripotent stem cells renew themselves at the rate of 260 billion new cells every day.
- Blood is made up of 55% plasma, 45% red cells, 0.1% white cells, 0.17% platelets.
- There are about six liters of blood that circulate in the body.
- The circulatory system of a single human being is 100,000 miles long. Put it all together in a single line and it would go four times around the earth, or nearly halfway to the moon.
- The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for regulating the blood industry.
- The blood industry is responsible for the safety of blood.
