Blood Cells

Red Blood cells/erythrocytes

-they are formed in red bone marrows of the ribs, skull and vertebrae

-survive for approximately 120 days and are then destroyed in the liver and spleen

Structure and Function

-contains no nucleus: this allows more room for haemoglobin (also: cells cannot divide/reproduce )

-they have biconcave disc shape to increase surface area

-contains hemoglobin that allows the transport of oxygen

White Blood cells/Leucocytes

a. Phagocytes

Function: They engulf and digest invading bacteria and viruses.

 Structure:

            -their shape may vary

            -they move using pseudopodia

            -its nucleus is lobed shape

            -they are formed in red bone marrows

           

b. Lymphocytes

Structure:          -round, large cells

                        -large, round nucleus

                        -they are made in lymph glands and spleen

Function: They produce antibodies (proteins) that fight antigens (foreign protein) that are  made by disease causing organisms (pathogens)

Platelets/ Thrombocytes 

Function: They help blood to clot, if there is a cut in skin. The platelets would gather at broken  blood vessels to make a temporary plug, preventing the loss of blood.

Structure:      -Lacks nucleus

                    -made of small pieces of cells