Handout biology
Fibrous Joints
Fixed joints, also called immovable joints, are found where bones are not flexible. In such
joints, bones have been fused together in such a way that they are fixed to that part.
What are the Muscles?” Muscles are the soft tissues found in both humans and
animals”
Skeletal muscles
Skeletal muscle is a muscle tissue that is attached to the bones and is involved in the
functioning of different parts of the body. Cardiac muscles Cardiac muscles are found only
in the heart and are self-stimulating, which has an intermediate speed of contraction and
energy requirement. Smooth muscles: Smooth muscles are non-striated, involuntary
muscles, which are controlled by the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS).
What is blood?
Blood is a fluid connective tissue that consists blood cells, plasma and platelets.
Red blood cells (Erythrocytes)
RBCs are biconcave cells without nucleus in humans; also known as erythrocytes. RBCs
contain the iron-rich protein called haemoglobin;
White blood cells (Leucocytes)
Leucocytes are colourless blood cells. They are colourless because it is devoid of
haemoglobin. They are further classified as granulocytes and agranulocytes. WBCs mainly
contribute to immunity and defence mechanism. Red Blood Cells are red due
to Haemoglobin, which is a transport molecule and also a pigment. As a result, blood is
red.Types of White Blood Cells
Granulocytes
Agranulocytes
There are five types of white blood cells present in the blood. Granulocytes
They are leukocytes, with the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. The granulated
cells include- eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil Eosinophils. Agranulocytes: They are
leukocytes, with the absence of granules in their cytoplasm. Agranulocytes are further
classified into monocytes and lymphocytes. Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Thrombocytes are specialized blood cells produced from bone marrow.

Platelets come into play when there is bleeding or haemorrhage.

They help in clotting a coagulation of blood. Platelets help in coagulation during a
cut or wound.
Composition of Blood: Plasma, RBCs, WBCs and platelets
Plasma
The liquid state of blood can be contributed to plasma as it makes up ~55% of blood. It is
pale yellow in colour and when separated. Red Blood Cells (RBC):Red blood cells consist of
Haemoglobin, a protein. They are produced by the bone marrow to primarily carry oxygen
to the body and carbon dioxide away from it.White Blood Cells (WBC)
White blood cells are responsible for fighting foreign pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses,
and fungi) that enter our body. They circulate throughout our body and originate from the
bone marrow.
Platelets
Tiny disc-shaped cells that help regulate blood flow when any part of the body is
damaged, thereby aiding in fast recovery through clotting of blood.
Blood Vessels
There are different types of blood vessels in our body each carrying out specialized
functions.
Blood vessels are categorized into arteries, veins and capillaries
Types of Blood Vessels
Three types of blood vessels are:

Arteries

Veins

Capillaries
Arteries
Arteries are strong tubes and muscular in nature. These blood vessels carry oxygen-rich
blood from the heart to all the tissues of the body.
Veins
Veins are elastic blood vessels which carry deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body
to the heart.
Capillaries
On reaching tissues, arteries branch further into extremely thin tubes called capillaries.
Functions of Blood: Blood is responsible for the following body functions:
Fluid Connective Tissue: Blood is a fluid connective tissue composed of 55% plasma
and 45% formed elements including WBCs, RBCs, and platelets. Provides oxygen to the
cells: Blood absorbs oxygen from the lungs and transports it to different cells of the
body.
Q1
1. What is blood?
Blood is a fluid connective tissue which comprises RBC, WBC, platelets and plasma. The
main function of blood is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to various cells and tissues of the
body.
2. State the types of blood cells found in human blood.
Blood cells are classified into the following types:


Erythrocytes or red blood cells
Leucocytes or white blood cells
3. State the different types of white blood cells found in the blood.
White blood cells can be classified as follows:

lymphocytes

monocytes
neutrophils



eosinophils
basophils
What are granulocytes? Granulocytes are leukocytes with granule-like structures, that
contain enzymes capable of digesting microorganisms. Granulocytes are further classified
into eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils. What are agranulocytes?
Agranulocytes are a type of white blood cell that has no distinct granules in their
cytoplasm. However, they form an important part of the body’s immune system. They are
further classified into monocytes and lymphocytes. 10. Name the major functions of
blood. Helps in homeostasis, provides oxygen to the cells.
Fibre is important because it allows the muscles in our intestines to move the material
along (called peristalsis) and prevents constipation.
Name
Solubility
Food Sources
Deficiency Diseases
Vitamin A
Fat
Green leafy vegetables, ripe yellow fruits, guava,
milk, liver, nuts, tomatoes, oranges, carrots,
broccoli, watermelon etc.
Hyperkeratosis, night
blindness, and
keratomalacia
Vitamin B1
(Thiamine)
Water
Fresh fruits, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, corn,
cashew nuts, wheat, milk, black beans, dates etc.
Beriberi
Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin)
Water
Banana, dates, mushrooms, grapes, mangoes,
peas, pumpkin, popcorn etc.
Slow growth, sore eyes
Vitamin B3
(Niacin)
Water
Meat, fish, eggs, milk products, cereals,
mushroom, guava etc.
Pellagra
Vitamin C
Water
Fresh fruits, black currant, broccoli, goat milk and
chestnuts.
Scurvy
Vitamin D
Fat
Fish, egg, liver, beef, cod, chicken breast etc.
Rickets and Osteomalacia
Vitamin E
Fat
Potatoes, pumpkin, guava, mango, milk, nuts,
seeds etc.
Heart problems,
Haemolysis and sterility
Vitamin K
Fat
Tomatoes, broccoli, chestnuts, cashew nuts, beef,
lamb, mangoes, grapes etc.
Haemorrhage
Minerals: Minerals are also organic compounds found in nature, which helps in the growth
of the human body.