Blood plasma is the yellowish fluid component of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other cellular components have been removed. Comprising approximately 55% of total blood volume, plasma is a crucial component of the circulatory system that carries vital nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste products throughout the body.
Plasma consists mostly of water, accounting for approximately 90% of its composition, making it a primarily aqueous solution. It is predominantly composed of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride ions, which help maintain the body's fluid balance and pH levels. In addition, plasma contains various essential proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, which fulfill important functions such as regulating osmotic pressure, transporting lipids and vitamins, and aiding in blood clotting.
Moreover, blood plasma acts as a medium for the transportation of important substances. It carries nutrients obtained from digested food to the body's cells for sustenance, while simultaneously removing waste products generated by cellular metabolism. Hormones secreted by the endocrine system are also transported in plasma, allowing for their distribution to specific target tissues.
Blood plasma also plays a pivotal role in immune responses, serving as a medium for the transportation of antibodies and other immune system components to fight against infections and diseases.
Overall, blood plasma is a vital component that ensures the proper functioning of the body by facilitating the transport of essential substances, regulating fluid balance, maintaining pH levels, supporting clotting mechanisms, and supporting immune responses.
