Blood's Vital Roles in the Cardiovascular System
Blood performs seven critical functions in the cardiovascular system:
- Oxygen Transport: Hemoglobin in red blood cells carries O₂ from lungs to tissues.
- Carbon Dioxide Transport: CO₂ (metabolic waste) carried from tissues to lungs for exhalation.
- Nutrient Delivery: Glucose, amino acids, lipids transported from digestive system to cells for energy, growth, repair.
- Hormone Transport: Endocrine hormones carried to target cells regulating growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood.
- Waste Removal: Urea, creatinine filtered by kidneys and excreted in urine.
- Immune Function: White blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes) and antibodies defend against infection.
- Temperature Regulation: Vasodilation releases heat; vasoconstriction conserves heat.
Blood is essential for homeostasis and vital body functions.
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