Haemoglobin and blood images

Explore images relating to oxygen transport and blood clotting in this gallery 

Blood contains several proteins that are vital to the normal functioning of the body. One important role of the blood is to transport substances such as oxygen from the lungs to other tissues in the body. Red blood cells contain a globular protein called haemoglobin, which allows blood to carry 70 times as much oxygen as blood plasma alone. When blood vessels become damaged, blood needs to clot to prevent the affected organism from bleeding to death. Proteins in the blood, such as fibrinogen, are vital for normal clotting.

Image research by Iona Twaddell and captions by Rosie Cotter, adapted from Wellcome Collection unless stated otherwise.

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About this resource


Cell biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Health, infection and disease
Education levels:
16–19, Continuing professional development