Functions of Blood

Functions of blood Blood has three main functions: transport, protection and regulation. Transport Blood transports the following substances: • Gases, namely oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the lungs and rest of the body • Nutrients from the digestive tract and storage sites to the rest of the body • Waste products to be detoxified or removed by the liver and kidneys • Hormones from the glands in which they are produced to their target cells • Heat to the skin so as to help regulate body temperature Protection Blood has several roles in inflammation: • Leukocytes, or white blood cells, destroy invading microorganisms and cancer cells • Antibodies and other proteins destroy pathogenic substances • Platelet factors initiate blood clotting and help minimise blood loss Regulation Blood helps regulate: • pH by interacting with acids and bases • Water balance by transferring water to and from tissues