Blood Basics and Components
This straw-colored liquid makes up about 55% of your blood and is nearly 92% water
Plasma
This group of cells assists with immune response and makes up only about 1% of the cellular components of blood
Leukocytes/White Blood Cells
If your blood is Rh+, it means you have the presence of this specific antigen
Rhesus or Rh factor
All blood cells begin their life as these types of cells
Hematopoietic stem cells
Also known as erythrocytes, these comprise up to 99% of the cellular components of blood
Red blood cells
These are the "main defenders" against infection; they engulf invaders and create pus when they die
Neutrophils
This blood type is considered the "Universal Donor" because it has neither A nor B antigens and can be accepted by any recipient type
O-
Erythrocytes and Thrombocytes both develop from this specific progenitor line
Myeloid Progenitor
Unlike other cells, mature mammalian erythrocytes are unique because they lack this organelle
A nucleus
This is the largest type of blood cell and can transform into a "Macrophage" to eat germs
Monocytes
A person with Type B blood has B antigens on their cells but will have these antibodies in their plasma.
Anti-A antibodies
Prior knowledge of Rh factors is vital for safety during this specific life event to avoid "birthing complications."
Pregnancy/Birth
These cell fragments, also called thrombocytes, act as a clotting factor and come from "Megakaryocytes" in the bone marrow
Platelets
These specific white blood cells produce antibodies to promote immunity
B-cells
This blood type is unique because it has both A and B antigens on the cell surface and therefore will not fight against either A or B antigens
Type AB
This tool is used by medical professionals to hear the movement of blood through arteries while measuring pressure
Stethoscope
What is blood comprised of?
Blood cells and fluid