What is Blood?
Blood Cells Are Produced in Bone Marrow
Red cells, white cells and platelets are made in the marrow of bones, especially the vertebrae, ribs, hips, skull and sternum. These essential blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen and help control bleeding.
One unit of blood can be separated into components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate.
Red Blood Cells Deliver Oxygen
Red blood cells are disc-shaped cells containing hemoglobin, which enables the cells to pick up and deliver oxygen to all parts of the body, then pick up carbon dioxide and remove it from tissues.
Photo Copyright: Dennis Kunkel,
University of Hawaii
White Cells Defend The Body
White cells are the body's primary defense against infection. They can move out of the blood stream and reach tissues being invaded by microbes and foreign bodies.
Blood Types Determine Donor-Recipient Matches
The approximate distribution of blood types in the U.S. population (distribution is different for specific racial and ethnic groups):
Blood Types Determine Donor-Recipient Matches
The approximate distribution of blood types in the U.S. population (distribution is different for specific racial and ethnic groups):
