D70-D77: Other diseases of blood and blood-forming organs

D77: Other disorders of blood and blood-forming organs in diseases classified elsewhere

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. They fight pathogens. Platelets are important for blood clotting.

The spleen is on the top left side of the abdomen. Old blood cells are broken down in the spleen. Furthermore, defense cells are stored. If the defense cells are needed, they are then released from the spleen into the blood.

The bone marrow is inside the bone. The blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, for instance. The bone marrow also contains fat.