Buffy Coat: A Critical Component of Blood

What percentage of blood volume does the buffy coat account for?

a) 5% b) 10% c) 15% d) 20%

Answer:

The buffy coat, a layer of leukocytes and platelets, makes up less than 1% of total blood volume. It is therefore accurate to say that it accounts for less than 5% of total blood volume, making option (a) the correct answer.

The buffy coat, which is a thin, pale layer of leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets, accounts for less than 1% of total blood volume. Therefore, the correct option is (a) 5%, as all the other options are greater than 5% which contradict with the fact that buffy coat constitutes less than 1% of blood volume.

When blood is centrifuged or spun down, it separates into three layers. The bottom layer is the red blood cells or erythrocytes, the middle layer is the buffy coat composed of leukocytes and platelets, and the top layer is the plasma. Even though it makes up a small percentage, the buffy coat is vital because it contains the body's immune cells and clotting factors. These components are crucial for fighting infections and for preventing excessive blood loss when an injury occurs, respectively.

Despite its small proportion, the buffy coat plays a critical role in immunity and clotting, highlighting its importance in maintaining a healthy blood system.