Which one of the following statements about blood constituents and tra...
About 97 per cent of O2 is transported by RBCs in the blood. The remaining 3 per cent of O2 is carried in a dissolved state through the plasma. Nearly 20-25 per cent of CO2 is transported by RBCs whereas 70 per cent of it is carried as bicarbonate. About 7 per cent of CO2 is carried in a dissolved state through plasma.
Which one of the following statements about blood constituents and tra...
Overview of Blood Constituents
Blood plays a vital role in the transport of respiratory gases, primarily oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The constituents of blood involved in this process are red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and plasma.
Role of RBCs
- Oxygen Transport: RBCs are equipped with hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues.
- Carbon Dioxide Transport: RBCs also carry some CO2, but primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions after a reaction with water.
Role of Plasma
- CO2 Transport: Plasma, which is the liquid component of blood, is responsible for transporting CO2. Approximately 7-10% of CO2 is dissolved in plasma, while a significant portion is carried as bicarbonate ions.
- Limited Oxygen Transport: Plasma carries a small amount of dissolved oxygen but is not the primary means of oxygen transport in the body.
Role of WBCs
- Minor Role: WBCs are primarily involved in the immune response and do not play a significant role in the transport of respiratory gases.
Conclusion
Considering the functions of these blood constituents:
- RBCs primarily transport oxygen and also participate in CO2 transport.
- Plasma is essential for transporting CO2 and a small amount of oxygen.
Thus, the most accurate statement is option 'D': "RBCs as well as plasma transport both oxygen and CO2." This highlights the collaborative role of both RBCs and plasma in gas exchange, making this option correct.