Intriguing Facts About Blood and Blood Groups
Blood
is a fascinating and essential component of our bodies. Let’s explore some
intriguing facts about blood and blood groups:
1.Variety
of Blood Colors:
While
humans have red-colored blood, other organisms exhibit a rainbow of blood
colors. For instance:
- Crustaceans, spiders, squid, octopuses, and some arthropods have blue blood.
- Certain types of worms and leeches have green blood.
- Marine worms can even have violet blood.
- Insects, including beetles and butterflies, possess colorless or pale-yellowish blood.
The
color of blood depends on the type of respiratory pigment used to transport
oxygen. Where in our blood cells it is found and named hemoglobin.
2.Blood
Volume:
The
adult human body contains approximately 1.325 gallons (5 liters) of
blood.
Blood
constitutes about 7 to 8 percent of a person’s total body
weight.
3.Blood
Composition:
Blood
consists of several components:
- Plasma (about 55 percent): A yellowish liquid that carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
- Red blood cells (40 percent): Responsible for oxygen transport.
- Platelets (4 percent): Essential for blood clotting.
- White blood cells (1 percent): Crucial for immune defense. Neutrophils are most abundant.
4.Gold
in Your Blood:
Yes,
you read that right! Human blood contains small amounts of gold—approximately 0.2
milligrams.
5.Blood
Cell Origins:
- All blood cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells.
- About 95 percent of the body’s blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
6.Blood
Types:
There
are eight main blood types:
A
positive, A negative, B positive, B negative, AB positive, AB negative, O
positive, and O negative.
It is
worth to mention that blood types play a crucial role in transfusions, organ
transplants, and pregnancy compatibility.
7.Rh
Factor and Pregnancy:
The Rh
factor (positive or negative) significantly impacts pregnancy.
We know
that compatibility between blood types is most crucial factor to avoid
transfusion reactions and ensure successful pregnancies
