Your blood transports oxygen and nutrients around the body to your cells, at the same time removing metabolic waste from the cells. An average adult has just under 5 litres of blood circulating around their body.
Blood is made up of:
- Red blood cells – for oxygen transport
- White blood cells – defend the body against infections
- Platelets – for blood clotting and tissue repair
- Plasma – the clear, non-cellular part of the blood (92% water by volume), which contains many transport proteins and other important chemicals for vital bodily functions
Professor James Isbister discusses the important role your blood plays in your body.
Prof. James Isbister (Runs 1:22)