title: Blood components.
abstract: This article, which forms part of the life sciences series, explores the functions of blood cells and their role in maintaining health. An overview of the development of blood cells is described and the functions of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are explained. The importance of blood grouping for safe blood transfusion is discussed, as are disorders relating to blood.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee. a.h.farley@dundee.ac.uk
authors.forename: Alistair
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farley
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hendry
authors.forename: Ella
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McLafferty
mesh_terms: D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom