Components of Blood - Part 1

Red blood cells

White blood cells

Platelets

Plasma

Less than 1%

44%

Less than 1%

55%

WBCs

RBCs

Plasma

Platelets

Forms 44% of the blood composition

It is mostly composed of water and is pale yellow in colour

They absorb oxygen in the lungs and release it as they pass through the body

They prevent or stop bleeding by causing blood to clot, or form into a gel at the wound

They attack and destroy any foreign materials such as infectious viruses and bacteria

They produce chemicals called antibodies to fight against infections and bacteria

It absorbs waste products from cells, especially carbon dioxide

It is the liquid which contains all the other components of blood

They do not have haemoglobin and are not red in colour

Contain a chemical called Haemoglobin which gives blood its red colour and helps absorb oxygen