FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD.

The overall functions of blood in humans can be listed as follows:

Osmotic Pressure.

The plasma proteins maintain colloid osmotic pressure of the blood (75% by albumins, 25% by globulins and almost none by fibrinogen).

Transport.

Nutrients.

Blood helps to transport materials, in the body including nutrients, water, salts and waste products. All hormones are transported by blood from the endocrine tissues to the target cells. Gases O2 and CO2 are transported by blood. Body Defense Neutrophils and monocytes Blood helps in body defenses against disease, neutrophils and monocytes engulf and destroy invading microorganisms e.g. bacteria.

Lymphocytes.

Blood provides immunity by the lymphocytes Interferon. Blood produces interferon, and antitoxins which are proteins, and protects our body from nucleic acids and toxins of invading organism.

As Buffer.

Blood acts as a buffer to maintain the acid – base balance i.e. concentration of H+ and OHions of the body. Maintain Homeostasis. Helps in maintaining the body temperature, concentration of water and salts, thus helps in homeostasis.

Exchange of Material.

Wall of Blood helps in the exchange of materials between blood and body tissue through blood capillaries via interstitial fluid.