The river of life, blood is the body's main means of transport. Blood is part of the hematopoietic system, which also includes lymphatic tissue, bone marrow and the spleen. Blood is a complex transport medium that provides vital collection and delivery services for the body by capturing food and oxygen from the digestive and respiratory systems and carrying these vital elements to different cells in the body. In exchange for blood and oxygen, the blood then collects waste from the cells and carries them to the urinary organs. These functions could not be carried out for individual cells without blood. Like any other structure in the body, the blood can be attacked by many types of diseases, such as leukemia. Leukemia is a general name given to a number of blood cancers that affect the blood. Blood carries hormones, enzymes, buffers, and other types of biochemicals important in bodily functions. Blood consists of plasma and formed elements. Plasma is the clear, straw-colored fluid portion of blood. The elements formed consist of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) play a vital role in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide to various parts of the body and play an important role in homeostasis of the body's acid-base balance. White blood cells (leukocytes) are responsible for cellular defense (phagocytosis of pathogenic microorganisms), humoral defense (secretion of antibodies involved in the response and regulation of the immune system) and play a role in the inflammatory response. of the body (secretion of heparin and histamine). ). Platelets play an important role in blood homeostasis and coagulation (blood clotting). The average adult has about...... middle of paper ...... specific way to prevent this from affecting many people's lives. Fortunately, the medical world has developed many treatment options for different types of leukemia and many people are able to survive and beat this potentially deadly cancer. Works Cited Bozzone, Donna M. “Leukemia”. Infobase Publishing Inc. 2009.11-134.CTCA Cancer Treatment centers and hospitals. Integrated Cancer Care.Web. January 15, 2012. http://cancercenter.com/.Lerner, Adrienne W. “Leukemia.” Greenhaven Press. 2009. 14-135.Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - Official Website.Web. January 23, 2012. http://www.leukemia.org. “Leukemia – Leukemia Symptoms, Types, Causes, Diagnoses and Treatment Options. » WebMD – Better information, better health.Web. February 3, 2012. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/leukemia-topic-overview.Parks, Peggy J. “Leukemia.” ReferencePoint Press Inc. 2010. 8-73.