How Does Blood Appear Blue Through the Skin?
When some oxygen has been delivered to tissues and some carbon dioxide has been picked up, blood ______.
A. had a bacterial infection had a viral infection
B. is deep red in color appears blue through the skin
C. Bilobed, obscured by dark-staining cytoplasmic granules
D. Self-donation of erythrocytes, Option B shows blood Bilobed, covered by dark-staining cytoplasmic granules after some oxygen has been given to tissues and also some carbon dioxide has been absorbed.
Answer:
B. is deep red in color appears blue through the skin
Have you ever wondered why blood appears blue through the skin? Despite the common misconception, blood is actually red, but it can appear blue in certain situations.
When oxygen is delivered to tissues and carbon dioxide is picked up, the blood is deep red in color. However, when this oxygenated blood flows back towards the heart through the veins, it can appear blue beneath the skin. This is due to the way light interacts with the blood cells in the veins.
The blue color you see is a result of the way light reflects off the blood cells. The red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are biconcave discs with depressions on both sides. This unique shape allows them to efficiently carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. The concentration of hemoglobin, the molecule inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen, also affects the color. When the blood cells are not fully oxygenated, the hemoglobin is less concentrated, giving the blood a darker appearance.
Next time you notice your veins looking blue through your skin, remember that it's just a trick of light and the actual color of your blood is a vibrant red!