Functions of Blood
| Home |Chapter: HAP - Haemopoietic System
Blood performs several vital functions in the body. It transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products; regulates body temperature, pH, and fluid balance; and protects the body by fighting infections through white blood cells and preventing blood loss by clotting.
FUNCTIONS
OF BLOOD
Blood performs several essential functions
necessary for survival:
1. Transportation
- Nutrients
(glucose, amino acids, vitamins, minerals) absorbed from the intestine are
carried to tissues.
- Hormones
secreted by endocrine glands are transported to target organs.
- Blood
carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carries carbon dioxide back
to the lungs.
2. Provides Oxygen to Cells
Blood picks up oxygen from the lungs and
delivers it to all tissues of the body through red blood cells containing
hemoglobin.
3. Protection
- White
blood cells fight infections through phagocytosis and antibody
formation.
- Blood
helps maintain adequate levels of water and electrolytes.
4. Regulation
Blood helps regulate:
- Body
temperature
- pH
balance
- Water
content of cells
5. Homeostasis
Homeostasis means keeping the internal body
environment stable despite external changes. Blood plays a major role by
distributing heat, transporting chemicals, and maintaining fluid balance.
