What are the physical characteristics of blood?
Physical Characteristics of Blood
* Color: Blood is bright red when oxygenated, and dark red when deoxygenated.
* Odor: Blood has a slightly metallic odor.
* Taste: Blood has a slightly salty taste.
* Temperature: Blood is typically between 97 and 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Viscosity: Blood is about five times more viscous than water.
* Density: Blood is about 1.05 times as dense as water.
* pH: Blood has a pH of about 7.4.
* Composition: Blood is composed of about 45% red blood cells, 45% plasma, and 10% white blood cells.
Red Blood Cells
* Red blood cells are small, disk-shaped cells that are filled with hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen.
* Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
* The average lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days.
Plasma
* Plasma is the liquid component of blood.
* Plasma contains water, electrolytes, proteins, and hormones.
* Plasma makes up about 55% of blood volume.
White Blood Cells
* White blood cells are cells that help to fight infection.
* There are several different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.
* White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
* The average lifespan of a white blood cell is about 10-14 days.
Platelets
* Platelets are small, disk-shaped cells that help to stop bleeding.
* Platelets are produced in the bone marrow.
* The average lifespan of a platelet is about 10 days.
Blood Disorders - Related Articles
- Rights of Dying Patients
- Are human rights infringed in treatments for mental health?
- Does It Hurt When a Kidney Stone Passes?
- What are the three levels of awareness in consciousness?
- Dietary Supplements: Which Work? Who’s Minding the Store?
- Why do you get itchy?
- How do I Troubleshoot Ritter Medical Chairs?