Blood is a connective tissue that carries nutrients, waste, and heat through blood vessels. It is composed of plasma and formed elements. Plasma is 90% water and contains dissolved substances like nutrients, salts, gases, hormones, and waste. Formed elements include red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that help clotting. Blood has key functions like distribution of oxygen and nutrients, regulation of substances, and protection from infection and blood loss.