Fun Fact Friday: Bloody Good Facts
November 2, 2018Fun Fact Friday: Bloody Good Facts
Did you know that one red blood cell can travel the entire circulatory system in 20 seconds? do you think this is pretty quick, or too slow? Have you heard of other interesting medical facts that you want to share? Read on to learn more about your blood and the how the circulatory system functions.
Circulating Around Blood Cells
Blood is comprised of many different parts. There is hemoglobin, plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Hemoglobin is the protein in blood that gives it the deep red color. This protein is used to transport oxygen to different parts of the body. Our heart pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation, and then that blood flows back through the heart and gets transported throughout the body. White blood cells, called leukocytes, are used to help fight diseases attacking the body. Platelets are involved in the clotting factor of blood. There are many blood diseases and disorders.
Sickle Cell Anemia
There are healthy red blood cells, and then there are ones that are not as healthy. People with sickle cell anemia have misshapen cells that look like crescent moons. These blood cells have the chance of getting stuck in places such as blood vessels. When these blood vessels are constricted, blood cannot flow, and oxygen does not move throughout the body. Symptoms include fatigue, anemia, jaundice, swelling of the hands and feet, and pain in any part of the body. People with sickle cell anemia usually live to be between 42 and 47.
Final Thoughts
Did you know that a red blood cell can travel the body in about 20 seconds? Are you a blood donor? If you want to learn more about blood; click here, here, and here. Do you know someone with sickle cell anemia or another type of blood disorder? Comment below.