Blood is a fluid that transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and carries away carbon dioxide and other waste products. It contains specialized cells that serve particular functions. These cells are suspended in a liquid matrix known as plasma. Jawed vertebrates have an adaptive immune system, based largely on white blood cells. White blood cells help to resist infections and parasites. Platelets are important in the clotting of blood. Blood is circulated around the body through blood vessels by the pumping action of the heart. In this week's episode, Blood editor Dr. James Griffin interviews Drs. Thomas Milne and Dominique Bonnet on their latest articles published in volume 147 issue 24 of Blood. 5Gold in human blood. 6Where blood comes from. 7References. Toggle the table of contents. Blood. 211 languages. Afrikaans. Alemannisch. አማርኛ. Pangcah. The meaning of BLOOD is the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body. Blood is a liquid connective tissue made up of blood cells and plasma that circulate inside the blood vessels under the pumping action of the heart. Blood is a specialized fluid that constantly flows throughout your body. It’s made of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The solid part of your blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells (RBC) deliver oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and organs. Detailed information on blood, including components of blood, functions of blood cells and common blood tests. It has four main components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The blood that runs through the veins, arteries, and capillaries is known as whole blood—a mixture of about 55% plasma and 45% blood cells. About 7% to 8% of your total body weight is blood.