• White blood cells (part of the immune system) defend the body against pathogens (diseases) by engulfing them or creating antibodies to attack them. • Platelets contain an enzyme that causes blood to clot when there is damage to blood vessels or they are exposed to air.
Key Term
blood: a liquid that contains four components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each have a specific function
Platelets
Plasma
White blood cells
Red blood cells
Create a mind map that includes all the components of blood, Reflective Log their functions and how they link to the circulatory system and
Developing the skills The transportation of oxygenated blood (oxyhaemoglobin) to the cells and the removal of carbon dioxide (waste product) using the same process of attachment, is made possible through a series of blood vessels. They are divided into three groups (identified in the following images), each with a distinct function. Key Term
blood vessels: three different types of vessels which carry blood - arteries, veins and capillaries
3
1.3.1 Components of blood
the body as a whole.
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