Summary of PE: The Components of Blood

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The four main components of blood are plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the watery part of blood that makes up 55% of blood volume and is responsible for suspending and carrying other cells around the body. Red blood cells make up 99% of blood cells and carry oxygen to where it is needed in the body. White blood cells are less populous than red blood cells, but are larger than red blood cells. Their main purpose is to fight infection and disease by destroying bacteria. Platelets are small blood cells that are mainly responsible for forming blood clots at damaged tissue to prevent infection and blood loss.

• 00:00:00 In this lesson, the four main components of blood are plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma is the watery part of blood that makes up 55% of blood volume and is responsible for suspending and carrying other cells around the body. Red blood cells make up 99% of blood cells and carry oxygen to where it is needed in the body. White blood cells are less populous than red blood cells, but are larger than red blood cells. Their main purpose is to fight infection and disease by destroying bacteria. Platelets are small blood cells that are mainly responsible for forming blood clots at damaged tissue to prevent infection and blood loss. When we exercise, our white blood cell count and activity increases, meaning illnesses can be detected earlier by the body. Platelets are especially important during strength or resistance training, when we put our muscles under stress.
• 00:05:00 The components of blood help to prevent bleeding and help to protect muscle tissue from damage.