Transport oxygen from the lungs to all cells of the body, via the red blood cells. Transports carbon dioxide, a major waste product of metabolism, from the cells of the body to the lungs, via the red blood cells. Transports nutrients from the digestive organs to the cells. Transports waste products from the cells to the kidneys, lungs and sweat glands for excretion. Transports hormones from the endocrine glands to the cells.
Transports enzymes to the various cells.
Assists in regulation of body pH through buffers and amino acids. Regulates the water content of the cells, principally through dissolved sodium ions. It regulates body fluid loss through the clotting mechanism. The movement of blood through the body is absolutely essential to the well-being of the tissues of the body. The substances that are carried to the fixed tissue cells diffuse from the capillaries into the interstitial fluid.