Peripheral blood refers to the blood that circulates throughout the body outside of the heart and major blood vessels. It is composed of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. These elements play crucial roles in transporting oxygen, fighting infections, and facilitating blood clotting. Peripheral blood is often collected for medical tests and diagnoses. For instance, a complete blood count (CBC) can provide valuable information about a person's overall health and detect conditions such as anemia or infections. This type of blood analysis is essential in the fields of hematology and clinical medicine.