Blood is the system of internal transport in most of the animals. During its course of circulation it performs the following important functions:
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(i) Respiratory function:
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Blood transports oxygen from the lungs to body organs and C02 from body organs to lungs.
(ii) Transport of food:
Blood carries digested food to different cells of the body.
(iii) Transport of hormones:
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Hormones are transferred from their place of secretion to their place of action through blood.
(iv) Thermoregulation:
Blood also maintains proper body temperature.
(v) Regulation of water and balance of acid and base:
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Blood brings about the balance of acid, base and regulates water contents of the body.
(vi) Removal of metabolic wastes:
Blood carries various metabolic wastes to kidney, skin and intestines for excretion.
(vii) Besides the above functions blood also protects our body against micro-organisms.
(viii) Blood also helps in the formation of a clot in the event of an injury to prevent further loss of blood.