Which component of blood carries oxygen to the tissues?

Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which component of blood carries oxygen to the tissues?

Explanation:
Oxygen is carried to tissues primarily by red blood cells because they contain hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it where tissues need it. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs (where oxygen pressure is high) and releases it as blood flows to tissues (where oxygen pressure is low), while also helping carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. The liquid part of blood, plasma, serves as a transport medium for nutrients, hormones, and wastes; white blood cells are involved in immune defense; platelets help with blood clotting. So the component that delivers oxygen to tissues is red blood cells.

Oxygen is carried to tissues primarily by red blood cells because they contain hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it where tissues need it. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs (where oxygen pressure is high) and releases it as blood flows to tissues (where oxygen pressure is low), while also helping carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. The liquid part of blood, plasma, serves as a transport medium for nutrients, hormones, and wastes; white blood cells are involved in immune defense; platelets help with blood clotting. So the component that delivers oxygen to tissues is red blood cells.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy