HS 2211 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Discussion Forum Unit 5 Blood Name five things that blood transports through the body. Consider the consequences to the body (positive or negative) if these things are absent from the blood. Choose two of the items you listed and discuss what would happen if they were absent from the blood. Your discussion must be at least 250 words in length, detailing your thoughts and position using 2 references from the readings for support. Also be sure to pose 1-2 well thought out questions from which your colleagues can formulate a response or generate further discussion. Be sure to cite any references using APA format. The functions of blood include defense, heat distribution, and maintenance of homeostasis. Blood cells are divided into three categories - red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). The American Red Cross (2023) explained that red blood cells are to transport oxygen and wastes like carbon dioxide, white blood
cells are to help fight infections, and platelets are to fix damage in blood vessels. Some of the things that blood transport throughout our body are nutrients from the food we eat, oxygen from the air we breathe, carbon dioxide to be released from our body, hormones secreted by endocrine glands, and antibodies that fight infection. If these things are not transported by the blood or are absent in the blood at all, our body and most of our body organs would definitely collapse, and that would pose a great risk to our survival. Oxygen. If oxygen is not carried by blood throughout the body, our organs and tissues will not be able to function properly. Hypoxia is a condition on which oxygen is not available in sufficient amounts to maintain adequate homeostasis (Bhuta, Alghoula, & Berim, 2022). With this condition, a person may experience confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and bluish skin; this can be life-threatening (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Our bodies need oxygen, and if blood were not to transport them, it would be a big risk to our lives. Antibodies. If antibodies will not be transported by blood, the body will have a hard time defending itself from viruses and harmful bacterias. Antibodies are part of our body's natural defenses, and without them, we
will be more prone to infections and diseases. Skripal' (1996) stated that blood type AB does not contain antibodies which makes them more susceptible to certain diseases. Antibodies may not be as necessary as oxygen to our bodies, but if blood were not to transport them, we will have a weaker defense against harmful substances. Blood clearly helps us stay alive. Blood serves a lot of functions that may also involve other organ systems. Blood should keep running and deliver essential substances throughout our body for our organs to function properly. There are four different blood types - A, B, AB, and O. Which blood type do you have, and what do you think are the advantages of having