Blood delivers the necessary “fuel” to every cell in your body.

Understanding how it works can demystify those blood test results from your doctor and unveil some fascinating facts about this vital liquid and the cells it carries.

Blood is a combination of cells and plasma.

Your heart tirelessly pumps this life-sustaining fluid throughout your body, providing oxygen and nutrients to cells and whisking away waste.

An average adult has about 5 liters of blood, accounting for 7 to 8 percent of their body weight. Approximately 2.75 to 3 liters are plasma, and the remainder consists of various cells.

Plasma, the liquid component, is where cells like red blood cells float.

But it's more than just a cellular taxi; plasma transports electrolytes, nutrients, vitamins, hormones, clotting factors, and infection-fighting proteins.

It's a delivery system, ensuring these vital substances reach every part of your body.

Blood's cellular crew includes red blood cells (oxygen carriers), white blood cells (infection-fighting agents), and platelets (clotting experts).

They all originate in the bone marrow.

In childhood, most of our bones contribute to blood cell production, but in adulthood, only certain bones like the spine, ribs, pelvis, and parts of the arm and leg bones continue the blood-making process.

Active marrow is called red marrow, while inactive marrow is known as yellow marrow.

This entire blood production process is known as hematopoiesis.

Stemming from a versatile progenitor known as the pluripotential hematopoietic stem cell, all types of blood cells – red, white, and platelets – are produced, showcasing the cell's remarkable ability to differentiate and even replicate itself.