Human blood components

Blood is a very complex mixture of many types of components with very diverse properties and is often referred to as ‘liquid organ’. Blood consists of formed elements that include:

Blood cells 
*Erythrocytes or red blood cells –make up 45% of the blood volume
*Leucocytes or white blood cells
*Thrombocytes or platelets

Blood plasma 
The liquid part of blood, the blood plasma, represents approximately 55% of entire blood. Plasma means the liquid portion of the blood in which the cells are suspended. The blood plasma can be divided into several groups:
*Water
*Mineral salts and ions
*Low molecular weight
*High molecular weight components
*Gases in soluble form
*Metabolites

Red blood cells

Plasma contains three types of protein: albumin, globulin and fibrinogen.
Albumin: most abundant and maintains blood colloidal osmotic pressure
Globulin: participate in the transport of hormones, ion, metals and lipids
Fibrinogen: essential component for blood clotting
Human blood components