Blood and Lymph
Plasma, formed elements, blood groups, coagulation and lymphatic fluid. (Biology › Body Fluids and Circulation, NEET UG syllabus.)
What is Blood and Lymph?
The straw-coloured, viscous fluid matrix of blood, constituting about 55% of its volume.
Key points
- Describe the composition and functions of blood plasma.
- Identify and differentiate between the formed elements of blood (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and their specific roles.
- Explain the ABO and Rh blood grouping systems and their significance.
- Detail the process of blood coagulation and the factors involved.
Common exam trap
Confusing the composition of plasma with serum (serum is plasma without clotting factors).
Definitions
- Term
Plasma
- Meaning
The straw-coloured, viscous fluid matrix of blood, constituting about 55% of its volume.
- Term
Formed Elements
- Meaning
The cellular components of blood, including erythrocytes (RBCs), leukocytes (WBCs), and platelets.
- Term
Haemoglobin
- Meaning
An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that reversibly binds oxygen and transports it.
- Term
Leukocytes
- Meaning
White blood cells, nucleated cells of the blood involved in immune responses.
- Term
Blood Coagulation
- Meaning
The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot to stop bleeding.
- Term
Lymph
- Meaning
The fluid connective tissue (tissue fluid) that circulates through the lymphatic system, formed from blood plasma.
Learning objectives
Describe the composition and functions of blood plasma.
Identify and differentiate between the formed elements of blood (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and their specific roles.
Explain the ABO and Rh blood grouping systems and their significance.
Detail the process of blood coagulation and the factors involved.
Describe the formation, composition, and functions of lymph.
Relate the lymphatic system to fluid balance and immune function.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of cell structure and function.
Knowledge of different types of tissues (connective tissue).
Familiarity with the concept of transport in organisms.
Common mistakes
Confusing the composition of plasma with serum (serum is plasma without clotting factors).
Incorrectly identifying universal donor/recipient blood groups.
Misunderstanding the specific functions of different WBC types.
Forgetting the role of calcium ions and Vitamin K in blood coagulation.
Assuming lymph has the same composition as blood plasma, especially regarding proteins and RBCs.
Keywords
Blood
Plasma
RBCs
WBCs
Platelets
Haemoglobin
Blood Groups
ABO
Rh
Coagulation
Fibrinogen
Lymph
Lymphatic System
Immunity
Hemostasis
Practice preview
What percentage of blood plasma is water?…
easy
Which blood group is considered a universal donor?…
easy
Which of the following ions is essential for blood coagulation?…
medium