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Why is blood red? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Blood is a very important part of your body! You've probably noticed that when you get a cut or scrape, some red blood oozes out. Blood runs all through the body and has the very important job of bringing oxygen to all of your different parts which need it!
One of the main things that makes up blood is red blood cells. These special helpers contain something known as “hemoglobin,” which is red in color. The hemoglobin is what helps oxygen to move through your blood, and is also what gives your blood that bright red color!
Hemoglobin contains Iron. In fact, there’s enough iron in your blood that you could make a small nail!
The Bloody Truth!
Blood is carried through your body by blood vessels. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart, and veins are the blood vessels in which it returns.
The biggest blood vessel in your body is called the aorta. – In fact, it’s so big that it’s about the size of your thumb!
One of the main things that makes up blood is red blood cells. These special helpers contain something known as “hemoglobin,” which is red in color. The hemoglobin is what helps oxygen to move through your blood, and is also what gives your blood that bright red color!
Hemoglobin contains Iron. In fact, there’s enough iron in your blood that you could make a small nail!
The Bloody Truth!
Blood is carried through your body by blood vessels. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart, and veins are the blood vessels in which it returns.
The biggest blood vessel in your body is called the aorta. – In fact, it’s so big that it’s about the size of your thumb!
- First Human Body Encyclopedia. Ed. Penny Smith. 1 vol. New York: DK Publishing Inc., 2005. 5, 48-49.
- “Red Blood Cells: Riding on the Red Road.” Blood – The Human Heart. The Franklin Institute. 31 May 2011.