BIOC33H3 Lecture Notes - Total Iron-Binding Capacity, Ken Wilber, Hematologic Disease
Document Summary
Hematology is the study of blood and blood-forming tissues. This includes the bone marrow, blood, spleen, and lymph system. Blood cell production (hematopoiesis) occurs within the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft material that fills the central core of bones. Blood is a type of connective tissue that performs three major functions: transportation, regulation, and protection. There are two major components to blood: plasma and blood cells. Plasma is composed primarily of water, but it also contains proteins, electrolytes, gases, nutrients, and waste. There are three types of blood cells: erythrocytes (rbcs), leukocytes (wbcs), and thrombocytes (platelets). Erythrocytes are primarily composed of a large molecule called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, a complex protein-iron compound composed of heme (an iron compound) and globin (a simple protein), functions to bind with oxygen and carbon dioxide. Leukocytes (wbcs) appear white when separated from blood.