What are the functions of formed elements blood?

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes):

1. Oxygen Transport: Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide, the waste product of cellular respiration, back to the lungs to be exhaled.

2. Hemoglobin: Red blood cells contain a specialized protein called hemoglobin which binds to and carries oxygen. Hemoglobin gives whole blood its characteristic red color, and high red blood cell counts help to ensure adequate oxygen delivery throughout the body.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes):

1. Immunity and Defense: White blood cells are central to the body's immune system and combat harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and foreign substances. Each type of white blood cell is adapted to perform specialized immune functions:

- Neutrophils: Phagocytize (ingest) and destroy microorganisms.

- Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells): Recognize and neutralize invaders through various immune responses like antibody production and killing infected cells.

- Monocytes, Macrophages (Tissue Monocytes): Engulf and digest foreign particles and cellular debris.

- Eosinophils: Involved in defense against parasitic infections and certain allergic reactions.

- Basophils: Participate in inflammation and certain allergic reactions, releasing histamine and other chemical mediators.

Platelets (Thrombocytes):

1. Blood Clotting and Repair: Platelets are essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding when blood vessels are damaged.

- Vasoconstriction: Platelets release chemicals that cause blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow to the injury site.

- Platelet Plug: Upon activation, platelets aggregate and form a plug at the site of the damaged blood vessel.

- Fibrin Formation: Platelets release factors that encourage the formation of strands of fibrin protein, solidifying the platelet plug into a temporary clot.

Overall, the main functions of formed elements in the blood are oxygen transport, defending against infection and foreign substances (immunity), and initiating blood clot formation. The balance and function of these elements contribute to overall human health.