composition of the blood![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Blood is made up of an aqueous liquid (plasma) in which solids (blood cells, platelets) are suspended. It accounts for 7% to 8% of the body’s weight.
platelet ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Blood cell that causes the blood to coagulate, preventing hemorrhaging.
blood vessel ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Membranous canal through which blood circulates in the organism; blood vessels form a network about 90,000 mi long.
plasma ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Liquid part of blood consisting especially of water, mineral salts and proteins; it allows elements such as nutrients and waste to circulate in the blood.
white blood cell ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Blood cell that plays an essential role in the body’s defenses (destruction of infectious agents, production of antibodies).
red blood cell ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Blood cell that transports oxygen and contains a pigment (hemoglobin); red blood cells are the most numerous.