blood [AS, blod] , the liquid pumped by the heart through all the arteries, veins, and capillaries. The blood is composed of a clear yellow fluid, called plasma, and the formed elements, which are red cells, white cells, and platelets. The major function of the blood is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells and to remove carbon dioxide and other waste products. Adults normally have a total blood volume of 7% to 8% of body weight, or 70 mL/kg of body weight for men and about 65 mL/kg for women. Compare lymph. See also blood cell, erythrocyte, leukocyte, plasma, platelets.
