Introduction to Blood: Which of the following statements about blood is false?

• A. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and contains water, proteins, and dissolved solutes.
• B. Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are the most abundant formed element in blood.
• C. Platelets are complete cells with nuclei that divide to produce more platelets.
• D. Blood is classified as a connective tissue because it consists of formed elements suspended in plasma.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the components of blood. Blood consists of plasma (the liquid portion) and formed elements, which include erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics of plasma. Plasma is primarily water but also contains proteins (like albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen) and dissolved solutes such as electrolytes, nutrients, and gases.
3. Step 3: Examine the nature of erythrocytes. Erythrocytes are the most abundant formed elements in blood and are responsible for oxygen transport. They lack nuclei and organelles.
4. Step 4: Analyze the statement about platelets. Platelets are not complete cells; they are cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. They do not have nuclei and cannot divide to produce more platelets.
5. Step 5: Confirm why blood is classified as connective tissue. Blood is considered connective tissue because it has cells (formed elements) suspended in an extracellular matrix (plasma), fulfilling the criteria for connective tissue.