Question 6
What are the cellular components of blood?
Components of blood include erythrocytes (RBCs), leucocytes (WBCs), and thrombocytes (platelets). These components form 45% of blood. They are suspended in the remaining fluid portion, called plasma.
Mammalian erythrocytes are biconcave, coloured cells devoid of a nucleus. They help in transporting respiratory gases.
Leucocytes or white blood cells are nucleated cells. They can be divided into two types, granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). They help fight against various disease-causing agents entering the body.
Thrombocytes are cell fragments produced from megarkaryocytes of the bone. They play a major role during blood coagulation.
