Blood
Description
Fluid that circulates throughout the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries carrying nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues and taking away waste matter and carbon dioxide. Blood consists of 22% solids and 78% liquid. Red blood cells are formed at the rate of 2 million per second. Within a tiny droplet of blood, there are 5 million red blood cells, 300,000 platelets and 10,000 white cells. The human body contains from 8- 10 pints of blood. Every inch of human skin consists of 20 feet of blood vessels.
Function
In passing through the lungs, blood gives up carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen; after leaving the heart, it is carried to the tissues as arterial blood and then returned to the heart in the venous system. Blood moves in the aorta at an average speed of 30 cm/sec, and it makes the circuit of the vascular system in about 60 seconds. The plasma transports nutrients, waste products, hormones, carbon dioxide, and other substances, and contributes to fluid-electrolyte balance and thermal regulation. Human blood travels 60,000 miles per day through the body.
Color
From dark to bright red.
Shape
Thin liquid.
Direction
Above and below the waist.
Location
In heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
Delimitation
Throughout the body.
Meditation on Blood