Question

Why is blood needed by the parts of the body?

Answer 1

Hint: Blood is a connective tissue. It serves as a connecting link between all parts of the body. It performs diverse functions. It serves the role of a messenger, carrier or transporter, guard for our body.

Complete answer:
Blood is needed by all the parts of the body for the following reasons:
- It supplies oxygen bound to hemoglobin (carried by red blood cells) to all tissues of the body.
- It supplies nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids either dissolved in the blood or bound to plasma proteins (example: blood lipids)
- Blood removes waste such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid.
- Blood performs immunological functions, including the circulation of white blood cells and the detection of foreign material by antibodies.
- Blood is involved in the body’s self-repair mechanism such as coagulation (blood clotting by the platelets after an open wound to stop bleeding).
- Blood performs messenger functions that involve the transfer of signaling molecules and hormones to the site of action.
- Blood regulates body pH and regulates core body temperature.
- Blood also regulates its colloidal osmotic pressure.

Additional Information:
Blood is a connective tissue composed of blood plasma ( a liquid extracellular matrix) and formed elements (which are cells and cell fragments). It constitutes 20-30% of extracellular fluid, amounting to 8% of the total body mass.

Note: - Blood is slightly alkaline (pH ranging from 7.3 to 7.4).
- Blood volume is 5 to 6 liters in an average-sized adult and 4 to 5 liters in an average-sized adult female.
- Studies are indicative of the fact that it only takes 20 to 60 seconds for a drop of blood to travel from the heart, through your body, and back to the heart again.