Name three common components of blood; as well as how they are removed from the plasma
- Waste (e.g. carbon dioxide)
Carbon dioxide is a waste product of respiration, which ends up dissolving in the blood plasma. This can cause the blood pH to decrease, which will ultimately cause a lot of problems in the body. CO2 is removed from the blood by the lungs through the process of diffusion, and is then exhaled.
- Nutrients (e.g. glucose)
Glucose is a sugar that provides energy to cells and is transported through the body by blood. Insulin controls the levels of glucose; when there is too much, the pancreas releases insulin, which triggers the liver to break down glucose to glycogen, which is then stored as granules in liver cells. When there is not enough glucose, the pancreas releases glucagon, which stimulates glycogen breakdown, and glucose is released back into the blood plasma.
- Hormones (e.g oestrogen)
The typical way hormones reach their targets are by being released into the blood stream and carried around the body. All cells will be exposed to the hormone; however, not all of them will react to it. Eventually they are removed from the blood, usually by the liver or kidney.
