OverviewPlasma: 55% Formed Elements: 45% Plasma DetailsWater: 90% of plasma volume Acts as a transport medium, absorbs and distributes heat. Proteins: buffer blood pH, osmotic balance between interstitial fluid and blood, produce blood viscosity. Albumin is the most abundant; contributes to osmotic pressure. Immunoglobulin plays a role in immune defense. Fibrinogens are clotting factors.Electrolytes: buffer blood pH and help maintain blood's osmotic balance, regulate membrane permeability.Metabolic nutrients: respiratory gases (oxygen), glucose, fatty acids and vitaminsMetabolic waste: respiratory gases (carbon dioxide), urea and uric acidHormones Formed ElementsErythrocytes: 98-99% Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. Leukocytes (white blood cells): 1-2%Granulocytes (granules visible after staining): - Basophils: inflammatory response - Eosinophils: parasitic infection and allergic reactions - Neutrophils: most abundant, engulf bacteriaAgranulocytes (granules not visible under microscope): - Monocytes: engulf bacteria - Lymphocytes: B and T cells, differentiate in bone marrow and thymusPlatelets: fragments of megakaryocytes, function in hemostasis Clinical CorrelationsDeep Venous Thrombosis (DVT): Poor blood flow causes clumping of blood fragmentsHemophilia: Occurs when a genetic mutation causes a clotting factor deficiency
