Describe the structure and function of blood in the body

Blood is important for regulation of the body’s pH, temperature, osmotic pressure, the circulation of nutrients and removal of waste, the distribution of hormones from endocrine glands, and the elimination of excess heat; it also contains components for blood clotting. Blood is made of of several components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and the plasma, which contains coagulation factors and serum.

What You’ll Learn to Do

• Identify the role of blood in the body
• Compare red and white blood cells
• Describe the basic components of the blood

Learning Activities

The learning activities for this section include the following:

• The Role of Blood in the Body
• Blood Cells
• Components of Blood
• Self Check: Structure and Function of Blood