Blood is the only fluid tissue in the body. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues, and returns waste and carbon dioxide. Blood distributes nearly everything that is carried from one area in the body to another place within the body. For instance, hormones are transported from the endocrine organs to their target organs. Blood helps maintain body temperature and normal pH levels in body tissues. The protective functions of blood include clot formation and the prevention of infection.

Review Date: 2/20/2002 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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