When we think about our blood, most health care providers agree that it is necessary to perfuse our body and losing too much will not be good for our patient. But what is blood and why do we need it? This question has many correct answers. Human blood is not only responsible for providing nourishment and oxygenation to the cells of the body’s organs but it also plays a role in fighting off infection, promoting clotting and regulating body temperature. Human blood is made of four basic components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these components play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within our body. Overall blood volume in relation to body mass is also an important part of discussing the importance of human blood on overall functioning of the body.

Most of us give little thought to how consistent and reliable the human heart is. Without an effectively pumping heart, the human body ceases to function and can die physiologically within minutes. Some organs can tolerate a lack of blood flow better than others. Vital organs such as the brain, the kidneys, the heart, and the liver are the most rapidly affected by a lack or decrease in blood flow while other organs of the body can tolerate a lack perfusion for a longer period of time. The heart is considered “the pump’ of the circulatory system and without a consistently functioning pump, the human body cannot perform adequately to sustain life.