Blood
(A study on Blood Components, Properties, Groups, Transfusion)
Can human being or animals live without blood? Why do parents encourage their children to take green vegetables? This are often asked questions and easily answered questions. The core of the questions and encouragements is Blood. No human being or animals can ever live without blood. Parents or doctors encourage us to take green vegetables so that we may get the required blood for our body. Blood is the most important fluid in human body. Without blood no human being or animals will ever live. Blood is the fluid which circulates in the principal vascular system of animals, carrying nourishment to all parts of the body, and bringing away waste products to be excreted. The fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and carries waste products away is pumped by the heart to different parts of the body. Blood is circulated around the body through blood vessels throughout our body. Blood keeps our body temperature steady by carrying excess heat from regions of the body to the skin where it can be dissipated. It also fights infection and carries chemicals that regulate many body functions. Blood is composed of a yellowish fluid, called plasma, in which are suspended the millions of cells that constitute 45% by volume of whole blood. A cubic millimetre of human blood contains about 5 million red blood cells, or erythrocytes; 5,000 to 10,000 white blood cells or leukocytes; and 200,000 to 300,000 platelets or thrombocytes. The blood also carries many salts and organic substances in solution in the blood plasma. Study revealed that the volume of blood in an average adult is varying from 4.7 – 5 liters. People who live at high altitudes, where the air contains less oxygen, may have up to 1.9 liters more blood than people who live in low altitude regions. The extra blood delivers additional oxygen to body cells.
Blood Components
Human being is a unique being. The human body produces the different type of blood components as per the requirement of the body. Blood plays a vital role in our immune system. It is a highly specialized tissue composed of many different kinds of components. Blood also contained antibiotic components to fight against diseases and bacterial infections. The various components of blood are;
Plasma
Plasma is the relatively clear, yellow tinted water (92+%), sugar, fat, protein and salt solution which carries the red cells, white cells, platelets, and some other chemicals. Plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are suspended. Normally, 55% of our blood's volume is made up of plasma. About 95% of it consists of water. As the heart pumps blood to cells throughout the body, plasma brings nourishment to them and removes the waste products of metabolism. Plasma also contains blood clotting factors, sugars, lipids, vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins. Plasma defends the body against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells, and clotting factors, which control bleeding.
Plasma circulation also plays a role in regulating body temperature by carrying heat generated in core body tissues through areas that lose heat more readily, such as the arms, legs, and head.
Red cells
Red cells normally make up 40-50% of the total blood volume. The red colour of blood is primarily due to oxygenated red cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a protein that gives blood its red colour and enables it to carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all body tissues and they take away carbon dioxide. Each red cell has about 270,000,000 iron-rich haemoglobin molecules. When the number of red blood cells is too low (anaemia), blood carries less oxygen, and fatigue and weakness develop. When the number of red blood cells is too high (polycythemia), blood can become too thick, which may cause the blood to clot more easily and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells (also called leukocytes) are fewer in numbers than red blood cells, with a ratio of about 1 white blood cell to every 600 to 700 red blood cells. White blood cells are responsible primarily for defending the body against infection. The white blood cells function like an army, dispersed throughout the body but ready at a moment's notice to gather and fight off an invading organism. White blood cells accomplish this by engulfing and digesting organisms and by producing antibodies that attach to organisms so that they can be more easily destroyed. When the number of white blood cells is too low (leucopoenia), infections are more likely to occur.
There are five main types of white blood cells they are
a. Neutrophils,
It is the most numerous types, help protect the body against infections by killing and ingesting bacteria and fungi and by ingesting foreign debris.
b. Lymphocytes
A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system. There are three main types, they are, (i) Natural killer cells, is a white blood cell type that play a major role to protect against viral infections and can detect and destroy some cancer cells. (ii) T cells and B cells, T cells (Thymus cells) and B cells (bone cells) are the major cellular components of the adaptive immune response. The function of T cells and B cells is to recognize specific “non-self” antigens, during a process known as antigen presentation. Once they have identified an invader, the cells generate specific responses that are tailored to maximally eliminate specific pathogens or pathogen infected cells.
c. Monocytes
It is a type of white blood Cell that ingest dead or damaged cells and help defend against many infectious organisms. Monocytes are produced by the bone marrow from haematopoietic stem cell precursors called monoblasts.
d. Eosinophils
It is a white blood cell type that kill parasites, destroy cancer cells, and are involved in allergic responses.They are found in the medulla and the junction between the cortex and medulla of the thymus, in the lower gastrointestinal tract, ovary, and in the uterus.
e. Basophils
Basophil granulocytes, sometimes referred to as basophils, are the least common of the granulocytes, representing about 0.01% to 0.3% of circulating white blood cells.Basophils appear in many specific kinds of inflammatory reactions, particularly those that cause allergic symptoms.
Platelets
Platelets (also called thrombocytes) are cell-like particles that are smaller than red or white blood cells. Platelets are fewer in number than red blood cells, with a ratio of about 1 platelet to every 20 red blood cells. Platelets help in the clotting process by gathering at a bleeding site and clumping together to form a plug that help to seal the blood vessel. At the same time, they release substances that help promote further clotting. When the number of platelets is too low (thrombocytopenia), bruising and abnormal bleeding become more likely. When the number of platelets is too high (thrombocythemia), blood may clot excessively, producing a stroke or heart attack.
Other components
There are several other components of blood they are are Water, Acetoacetate, Acetone, denosine triphosphate, phosphorus, Adrenocorticotrophic hormone, Alanine, Albumin, Aluminum, Aldosterone, Bile acids, Bilirubin, Biotin, Bromide, Cadmium, Calcitonin, Calcium, Carbon dioxide, Cephalin, Dopamine, Ergothioneine, Erythropoietin, Estradiol, Estriol, Estrogen, Estrone, Ethanol, Ferritin, Fluoride, Galactose, Gastrin, Globulin, Glucosamine, Glucose , Glycogen, Hexosephosphate, Histidine, Insulin, Isoleucine, Lead, Lecithin, Leptin, Magnesium, Manganese, Methyl guanidine, Mucoproteins, Norepinephrine, Ornithine, Oxytocin, Pancreatic polypeptide, Phenylalanine, Phospholipid, Relaxin, Secretin, Serotonin, Succinic acid, Taurine, Thiocyanate, Uric acid, Valine, Vasopressin, Zinc
Properties of Blood
Our bodies consist of many active cells that need a continuous supply of nutrients and oxygen. Metabolic waste products need to be removed from the cells to maintain a stable cellular environment. Blood is the primary transport medium that is responsible for meeting these cellular demands. Materials transported by the blood include nutrients, waste products, gases, and hormones. The blood helps to regulate the fluid and electrolyte balance, acid base balance, and the body temperature. Protection against pathogens is provided by white blood cells, and the clotting mechanism prevents excessive loss of blood after injuries.
Physical Properties of Blood.
The Average adult has a blood volume of approximately 5 liters, which composes about 8% of the body's weight. Osmolality of blood is 275-295 milliosmoles per kg. Plasma constitutes approximately 55% of blood's volume. Plasma Composition: 90% Water, 8% Protein, 0.9% Inorganic Salts and include,Sodium 135-146 mM, Potassium 3.5-5.2 mM, Calcium 2.1-2.7 mM, Carbonate 23-31 mM, Phosphate 0.7-1.4 mM, 1.1% organic substances. It is estimated that plasma may contain as many as 40,000 different proteins from about 500 gene products. Approximately 1,000 proteins have been detected. Plasma contains 50-70 mg of protein per ml.
Blood Groups
Blood group is a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, depending on the blood group system. The blood group we belong to depend on what you have inherited from our parents. There are more than 20 genetically determined blood group systems known today, but the AB0 and Rh systems are the most important ones used for blood transfusions. Not all blood groups are compatible with each other. Mixing incompatible blood groups leads to blood clumping or agglutination, which is dangerous for individuals. A total of 30 human blood group systems are now recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), over 600 different blood-group antigens have been found, but many of these are very rare and/or are mainly found in certain ethnic groups
ABO blood group system
The ABO system is the most important blood-group system in human-blood transfusion. According to the AB0 blood group system there are four different kinds of blood groups: A, B, AB or 0. Let us discuss it below;
Blood group A
If you belong to the blood group A, you have A antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and B antibodies in your blood plasma.
Blood group B
If you belong to the blood group B, you have B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and A antibodies in your blood plasma.
Blood group AB
If you belong to the blood group AB, you have both A and B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and no A or B antibodies at all in your blood plasma.
Blood group 0
If you belong to the blood group 0 (null), you have neither A or B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells but you have both A and B antibodies in your blood plasma.
Rh factor blood grouping system
Many people also have a so called Rh factor on the red blood cell's surface. The Rh system is the second most significant blood-group system in human-blood transfusion with currently 50 antigens. The most significant Rh antigen is the D antigen, because it is the most likely to provoke an immune system response.A person with Rh- blood does not have Rh antibodies naturally in the blood plasma (as one can have A or B antibodies, for instance). But a person with Rh- blood can develop Rh antibodies in the blood plasma if he or she receives blood from a person with Rh+ blood, whose Rh antigens can trigger the production of Rh antibodies. A person with Rh+ blood can receive blood from a person with Rh- blood without any problems.
Blood transfusion
Blood Transfusion is the process of transferring relevant blood from one person (donor) into another person's bloodstream (recipient).Blood transfusions are done to replace blood lost during surgery or due to a serious injury. A transfusion also may be done if your body can't make blood properly because of an illness. The transfusion will work if a person who is going to receive blood has a blood group that doesn't have any antibodies against the donor blood's antigens. But if a person who is going to receive blood has antibodies matching the donor blood's antigens, a severe acute haemolytic reaction with haemolysis (RBC destruction), renal failure and shock is likely to occur, and death is a possibility. You can always give A blood to persons with blood group A, B blood to a person with blood group B and so on. But in some cases you can receive blood with another type of blood group, or donate blood to a person with another kind of blood group. People with blood group 0 Rh - are called "universal donors" and people with blood group AB Rh+ are called "universal receivers."Rh+ blood can never be given to someone with Rh - blood, but the other way around works. Blood can be provided from two sources: autologous blood (using your own blood) or donor blood (using someone else's blood). Autologous blood (using your own blood) includes; Pre-operative donation: donating your own blood before surgery, Intra-operative autologous transfusion: recycling your blood during surgery. Blood lost during surgery is filtered, and put back into your body during surgery. This can be done in emergency and elective surgeries, Post-operative autologous transfusion: recycling your blood after surgery. Blood lost after surgery is collected, filtered and returned to your body, Hemodilution: donating your own blood during surgery. Immediately before surgery, some of your blood is taken and replaced with IV fluids. After surgery, your blood is filtered and returned to you. This is done only for elective surgeries, Apheresis: donating you own platelets and plasma. Before surgery, your platelets and plasma, which help stop bleeding, are withdrawn, filtered and returned to you when you need it later. This can be done only for elective surgeries.
My Assimilation on the course ‘Basic Science’
We live amidst science. Whether we eat, drink, playing dancing, talking or sleeping the laws of science comes into operation. From birth to death consciously or unconsciously we continuously use science. It is said “Science is a knowledge seeking enterprises”, but for me it is not just knowledge seeking but it knows ourselves our way of live. Science is an integral part of our civilization. It is essential to give a scientific perspective of the universe, to help scientific attitude, to acquire knowledge. Science is a specific well built system with ideas and methods. Science is a very important part of the world cultures of the world culture which influence the people in very decisive and deep way. Science is not a mere subject to be studied; it is something more because everything in the universe is governed in one way or the other by scientific laws. Not knowing at least the basic knowledge of science would be foolish and would not be fair for any person because it is part and parcel of life.
The course 'Basic Science' sound very silly for philosophy students who have done basic science before. It sounds as if we are being treated like school children. Isn't it a pessimistic way of thinking? St. Ignatius of Loyola said that repetition is always good. Heraclitus said everything is in flux, nothing is fixed. Having the course basic science once again is a good thing because we look at the subject from different perspective. The concepts which we have simply memorised during our scholld days are now becoming clear. Our thinking pattern has changed and so studying Basic science at present stage made us not to only listen passively but involve ourselves actively because the How, Why, Where, When will keep haunting our minds. NO learning or studying is a waste of time at any stage of life.
The course basic sciences have broadened my way of looking at things. I have understood better the different theories and mechanism about light, heat, force, Newton's law of motion, matter and about our human body. In the beginning I felt a little boring but later i enjoyed the class> I really appreciate the creativity and the technique which Father Stephen Jeyard arranged. Some o the videos clippings were really good. Though I have read, studied, and attended seminars, yet I have never got something precise a lucid about our human reproductive system. It was really good. Previously I had seen picture about semen and I was thinking that they are worms but my wrong perception is not rectifies. My perception about women and about child birth too has change.
The combination of lecture, chart and videos really made the class livelier and it really help to record into our memory and understand it better. The models which were brought in the class like the ' model of the earth moving around the sun' is really unique. It makes us curious to listen and enjoy seeing the models. I only regret little bit because we did not get an opportunity to touch and experiment.
Ignoring science in philosophy will not help a person to understand ourselves better. Basic science is a key for cosmology, Science and religion and much more is a key for philosophers to build up a better understanding of God, Cosmos and human being. It helps us to have a better understanding and better relationship with men and women. Basic science helps philosophers to be active participant in whatever we see or do and not to be just a passive listener or a viewer. From Basic Science we not only get information but we become more humane. We rethink, rebuilt and renew our relationship with God, Cosmos and Human beings.
Bibliography
O'Neil Dennis: “Blood Components,” n.d.,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood
Merk Sharp and Dolme Corp: “Components of Blood “ n.d.,
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