2007-01-18 11:41:23 · 6 answers · asked by RODNEY D 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
Blood is composed of a liquid called plasma which is mostly water with other substances dissolved in it. The red blood cells in the blood are the oxygen carriers. They have the ability to do this because they contain a protein called hemaglobin which contains iron. Blood also contains particles called platelets which have a role in blood clotting. There are also a variety of white blood cells which have functions in immunity and clean-up.
The thickness of the blood has to do with the number of cells contained in the blood, especially the red blood cells. When you get a "blood count", this is what you are measuring. If your blood count is "low" you are anemic (low iron) because you are low on red blood cells.
The more red blood cells you have, the more efficient your body is at transporting the oxygen which the body needs to metabolize the glucose (fuel) for your cells to produce energy.
You can increase your red blood cell count by excercizing in an environment that makes your body work harder to obtain oxygen, such as in high elevations. Your body, if healthy, will compensate for the lower oxygen levels by making more red blood cells.
Blood cells are short lived, about 120 days, so your body must have the ability to replace these cells. If you have a problem with your red bone marrow, the site of blood cell formation, then your body might not replenish these cells like it should. This results in a low blood count, which results in anemia and a tired feeling due to lack of energy. Remember, red blood cells contain hemaglobin, which carries oxygen, which is necessary to catabolize glucose to produce ATP, energy.
Hope this helps.
ANATOMY TEACHER
2007-01-18 12:11:26 · answer #1 · answered by CAROL P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reverse...less oxygen makes blood thinner because it's not transporting as much oxygen to the body.
2007-01-18 11:50:18 · answer #2 · answered by Jon A 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. That's a strange question. Wish I knew why you were asking.
The body's ability to absorb oxygen changes at high altitudes where the air composition is different, but the body compensates for it within 48-72 hours adjustment time.
Is that more helpful?
2007-01-18 11:50:57 · answer #3 · answered by CYP450 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People think that living in a warm climate makes their blood thin
and vice-versa. False. The viscosity of the blood remains fairly
constant (in health) so it can circulate properly. Oxygen levels have nothing to do with it.
2007-01-18 11:52:33 · answer #4 · answered by hwfiedler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but alcohol does.
2007-01-18 11:48:23 · answer #5 · answered by Molly 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2007-01-18 11:44:50 · answer #6 · answered by ALM 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋