Components of Blood Introduction

In the labeled test tube showing separated blood components, which layer is at the top after separation?

• Red blood cells

• White blood cells and platelets (buffy coat)

• Plasma

• Whole blood

A diagram shows a blood vessel with red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Which choice best explains why the thin middle layer (buffy coat) appears between plasma and red cells after centrifugation?

• White blood cells and platelets have densities intermediate between plasma and red blood cells, so they settle between them.

• Platelets float to the top because they are less dense than plasma.

• Red blood cells chemically bond to white blood cells, forming a middle layer.

• Plasma viscosity forces red blood cells to rise above white blood cells.

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Which medical root word means blood?

• Cyte

• Erythr

• Leuko

• Hema

A scientist describes a 'leukocyte' involved in immune defense. Based on root meanings, what is the best interpretation of this term?

• Red cell

• White cell

• Blood clot

• Cell that eats

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Based on the classification of body tissues, what type of tissue is blood?

• Muscle

• Epithelial

• Connective

• Nervous

Which feature justifies classifying blood as a connective tissue rather than muscle, epithelial, or nervous tissue?

• Presence of contractile fibers that generate force

• Sheets of tightly packed cells forming protective linings

• An abundant extracellular matrix that separates cells

• Neurons that transmit electrical impulses

Which feature uniquely distinguishes connective tissue from other tissue types, as emphasized in the diagrams showing blood cells and fibrous tissue?

• High mitochondrial density

• Matrix

• Striations

• Desmosomes

Which statement best characterizes plasma in human blood?

• It is a cellular component that transports oxygen.

• It is the blood’s non-cellular liquid matrix comprising about 55% of blood volume.

• It forms less than 10% of total blood volume and is mostly proteins.

• It is identical in composition to interstitial fluid with no solutes.

A sample of plasma is analyzed and found to be primarily composed of one substance. Based on typical composition, which breakdown is most accurate?

• 90% proteins and 10% water

• 90% water and 10% solutes including gases, nutrients, proteins, electrolytes, and hormones

• 55% water and 45% red blood cells

• 75% electrolytes and 25% hormones

Which statement best defines hematocrit?

• The iron content of hemoglobin

• The percentage of blood made up by erythrocytes, typically higher in males

• The amount of oxygen carried by one hemoglobin molecule

• The total number of leukocytes in blood