What are the cellular components of blood?
Explanation Blood is a mixture of blood plasma and blood cells. The cellular components of blood include erythrocytes (RBC), platelets, and leukocytes. These cellular components make forty-five percent of the total blood composition. Plasma is the primary component of blood, which is mostly made up of water proteins ions, dissolved gases, and nutrients. Erythrocytes: These are also known as red blood cells. Erythrocytes are circular, anucleated cells that transport oxygen to the different parts of the body and cells. These cells contain hemoglobin pigment, which is the main protein responsible for blood transportation of gases and gives a red color to the blood. Platelets: Platelets are also known as thrombocytes. The primary function of platelets is in blood clotting. These disc-shaped cells prevent the loss of blood by releasing a signal that converts water-soluble protein fibrinogen into fibrin, which makes a clot on the wound. Leukocytes: Leukocytes are also known as White blood cells or WBC. These cells are nucleated and responsible for the immune responses of the body. Five types of WBC are categorized into two groups, such as granulocytes, which have granules in cytoplasm and agranulocytes, which do not have granules in the cytoplasm. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are classified as granulocytes, whereas monocytes and lymphocytes belong to the agranulocytes division. WBC play an essential role in the immune system of the body. Final Answer There are three types of blood components, such as RBC, WBC, and platelets present in the blood. RBCs are involved in the transportation of gases in the body. The platelets help in blood clotting, whereas WBC protects against foreign antigens.