25 February 2007
What Is The Importance Of Blood?
Each and every part of our body requires blood for its life. Blood is composed of many different materials and cells. It is the fluid part of the blood, called the ‘plasma’, which contains these materials. Carbohydrates, such as sugars, dissolved in the blood, give the body energy. Fats and salts are also there in the blood to meet the body’s needs. The blood plasma carries food from the stomach and intestine to the cells. It also carries waste from the cells to the kidneys and the intestine. The blood gets its colour from the red cells which are present in it. These cells contain a substance called ‘haemoglobin’, which combines easily with gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. The red cells carry the oxygen in the arteries and capillaries to all cells of the body. The blood also contains white cells called ‘leucocytes’, which destroy bacteria. Another category of white cells called ‘lymphocytes’ help our body in fighting infections.
There are other white blood cells, called ‘monocytes’ take care of dead material and dirt that may get into the body. Our blood also contains certain cells called ‘platelets’, which help to form clots when a blood vessel is cut, so that we do not lose much blood. Thus, blood is a vital component of our body.