Plasma In Blood

What Is Blood Plasma?

Blood plasma is the clear, yellowish aqueous portion of blood; it is left once the cells are removed. The liquid makes up approximately 55% of the blood volume and is very important to the body, as it transports many substances throughout the body.

Blood plasma in the body serves to assist other important functions of the body, such as the transportation of nutrients, hormones, and waste materials. It also assists in the regulation of blood volume and blood pressure. Plasma also plays a role in blood clotting and immune responses.

Composition Of Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is a chemically complex suspension, with a wide range of elements contributing to the overall function of blood plasma.

The major components of plasma are:

Water – Almost 90%

• Functions as the primary solvent, thus enabling the dissolution of the other components.

• Facilitates the ability to convey nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Plasma Proteins – Approximately 7-8%

Plasma proteins are Composed Of:

Albumins

• Maintain osmotic pressure to prevent fluids from leaving the blood vessels.

• Carry hormones, vitamins, and drugs.

Globulins

• Contains antibodies (immunoglobulins) that help in the immune defence

• Carry lipids and hormones

Fibrinogen

• It is produced in blood clotting and helps in creating the fibrin threads when blood coagulates after an injury to stabilise the blood clots.

Other Solutes (About 1-2%)

• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.)

• The electrolyte's function is to regulate the.

• Cellular waste products are transported to excretory organs for excretion.

Functions Of Blood Plasma

The different functions of plasma are essential for the maintenance of homeostasis and support of physiological processes.

Transportation

• Transport of Nutrients, Hormones, and Waste Products

• Transports nutrients from the digestive system to the body cells.

• Transports hormones from the endocrine glands to target tissues.

• Transports waste products to the kidneys and the liver for detoxification.

Regulation Of Blood Volume And Pressure

• Role of Albumins in Maintaining Oncotic Pressure

• Prevents excess fluid loss by the blood vessels to the tissues.

• Helps to balance blood pressure and volume.

Clotting And Immune Response

• Fibrinogen and Coagulation

• It is cleaved to form fibrin, leading to the coagulation of blood and preventing bleeding.

Globulins As An Immunity

• Carry antibodies, and provide immunity by neutralising pathogens and removing pathogens from the body.

Blood Plasma And Homeostasis

Plasma has a pivotal role in maintaining the internal environment of the body.

Regulation Of pH

• Plasma Proteins May Be Buffers

• This is mainly done by plasma proteins, which do so by buffering out the extra acids and bases.

Maintaining Electrolyte Balance

• How Plasma Maintains the Balance of Sodium, Potassium, and Other Ions

• Helps maintain the balance of the electrochemical gradients of nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Clinical Relevance: Blood Plasma

There are many applications of the plasma clinically and is very vital in diagnosis as well as treatment

Plasma Donations And Transfusions

• Uses of Plasma in Medical Treatments

• Plasma is used to treat clotting issues, among other diseases that require treatment and therapies that are plasma-derived.

Plasma Protein Disorders

• Conditions: Hemophilia and Hypoalbuminemia

• Hemophilia is a condition of less clotting factors, while hypoalbuminemia is a status of reduction in albumin.

Plasma Diagnostic Tests

• Routine Tests (like Plasma Glucose Levels and lipid Profile)

• Plasma is subject to various methods of testing for glucose levels, blood cholesterol levels and other metabolic products.

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