WHAT IS BLOOD?

Blood is a tissue made by several elements with different features and  functions. Thanks to this, only one blood donation it is possible to help more than one patient.

blood is composed by cells (45%) anf plasma (55%).

CELLS

Red blood cells(erythrocytes): their function is to trasport oxygen and nutrients to all body tissues and CO2 from the tissues to the lungs. Inside red blood cells there is hemoglobin that is  essential for red blood cells to do their functon

White blood cells( leucocytes): they fight infections and illnesses. They are not useful in blood donations because they are specific of each person.

Platelets:they contribute to blood coagulation impeding hemorrhages

PLASMA

Plasma is the liquid part of blood. Its is made basically by water and proteins which take part in metabolic processes for the organism.

ANTIGENS AND ANTIBODIES

On the surface of red blood cells there are some substances called surface antigens, different for each blood group. 

Plasma delivers antibodies( specific for each person) that, in order to defend the body,they attack the antigens that are not from that organism.

BLOOD HAS SEVERAL FUCTIONS

• To deliver oxygen and nutrients from the lungs to all the rest of the parts of the body.
• To control coagulation process( security fuction that consisr of  avoiding blood loses, such as wound coagulation).
• To defend t the body against external agents.
• To regulate the temperature of the body

Information about blood group here