Blood and

Notes

Blood and Hemostasis Study Notes 1) What blood does (3 main jobs) Blood has three major roles: 1. Transport (big cardiovascular role) ● ● ● ● Oxygen (O₂) from the lungs to body tissues Nutrients from the GI tract to cells Waste products from cells to elimination organs ○ CO₂ → to lungs → exhaled ○ Nitrogenous wastes → to kidneys → urine Hormones from the endocrine system to target tissues 2. Regulation Thermal (temperature) regulation ● ● ● Metabolizing cells produce heat Blood distributes heat If too hot: blood flow is diverted to skin to release heat pH regulation ● ● ● Many proteins need a stable pH to work properly Blood uses buffering systems Major buffer: bicarbonate ions (HCO₃ ⁻) Fluid volume regulation ● ● Maintain enough plasma to sustain blood flow (not too much, not too little) Plasma proteins help maintain colloid osmotic pressure (prevents excessive fluid loss from vessels) 3. Protection ● ● Prevents blood loss → clotting/hemostasis Prevents infection → immune functions ○ White blood cells + antibodies, etc. 2) What’s in blood (major components of whole blood) Think of blood as: ● Blood = cells + liquid ○ Cells → formed elements ○ Liquid → plasma When whole blood is sp...