Blood Components and Functions

Component Function
Red Blood Cells or ErythrocytesThey carry the protein hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
White Blood Cells or LeukocytesThey are primarily responsible for protecting the body from infection.
Platelets or ThrombocytesThey help the blood clotting process (or coagulation) by gathering at the site of an injury.
PlasmaIt is the liquid component of blood and transports blood cells throughout the body along with nutrients, waste products, antibodies, clotting proteins, chemical messengers such as hormones, and proteins that help maintain the body's fluid balance

Types of White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Name Function
BasophilNormal white blood cell which increase with bone marrow damage, parasitic infections, or allergic reactions.
EosinophilA type of white blood cell that controls mechanism associated with allergies and defends the body from infection by parasites and bacteria.
LymphocyteTwo types - T lymphocytes which help regulate the function of other immune cells and directly attacks infected cells and tumors and B lymphocytes which make antibodies.
MonocyteA white blood cell that ingests bacteria and foreign particles.
NeutrophilThe most common type of white blood cell, which helps the body fight infection.