Ep 2. Scrape Wound

Red blood cell AE3803 is back on her journey through the human body, trying to deliver her oxygen to every corner of it. Along the way, she bumps into a white blood cell, who is investigating an injured area.

The white blood cell reveals that there has been a scrape wound, and that they are in the process of trying to restore the tissue. Red blood cell is curious about how the body does this and so volunteers to help out in any way possible.

The wound area is busy with lots of other cells, all working together to repair the tissue. The scene is chaotic, with lots of shouting and running around.

Red blood cell soon realises the amount of work that goes into even the smallest wound. Neutrophils, one type of white blood cell, are working hard to rid the wound of any harmful bacteria and viruses.

Macrophages, another type of white blood cell, are collecting any debris or dead cells in the area.

Both neutrophils and macrophages are phagocytes; they engulf any unwanted particles and digest them using special enzymes.

However, the white blood cells are not the only cells working hard to heal the wound. Platelets are also in action, forming blood clots to stop the bleeding and reduce the chance of infection.

This process involves a chain of chemical reactions, with each reaction leading to the next, until the final reaction results in the 'clumping' of platelets to form a clot.

Red blood cell witnesses all of this and appreciates the importance of each and every cell in the human body.

As the wound heals, the white blood cells retreat, and the platelets gradually dissolve the clot. The area starts to look less inflamed, and the cells are now working to grow new tissue.

Red blood cell is amazed at how quickly the body can heal. The wound area has gone from an angry, red inflamed area to one that has blended in with the surrounding tissue.

As Red blood cell continues on her journey through the body, she knows that whenever there is an injury, countless cells will work together to restore the area. The human body is an incredible thing, and Red blood cell feels honored to get to witness it in action.