American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is the main component of blood connective tissue?

1. Fibers and ground substances

2. Red and white blood cells suspended in plasma

3. Collagen fibers and fibroblasts

4. Chondrocytes and collagen

The correct answer is: Red and white blood cells suspended in plasma

The main component of blood connective tissue is red and white blood cells suspended in plasma. Blood is unique among connective tissues because it is liquid and serves multiple crucial functions in the body. The red blood cells (erythrocytes) are primarily responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body, while the white blood cells (leukocytes) play vital roles in the immune response, helping to defend against infections and foreign invaders. Plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood, provides a matrix in which these cells are suspended. It contains water, electrolytes, proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, making it integral to transportation and maintaining homeostasis. In contrast, the other options refer to components found in different connective tissues or types, such as the presence of fibers and ground substances in loose or dense connective tissue, or specific cells like chondrocytes found in cartilage. None of these describe the composition of blood as accurately as the correct option.