Blood consists of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It makes up 8% of body weight and the average adult has about 5 liters. There are 4 main blood groups - A, B, AB, and O - which are determined by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Blood serves many important functions such as supplying oxygen to tissues, waste removal, temperature regulation, and providing nutrients to cells.