Plasma is not thicker than blood. In fact, blood is thicker than water, and plasma makes up the largest part of blood, comprising about 55% of its overall content.
Here's why:
- Plasma is the liquid portion of blood: It's mostly water (over 90%) and contains dissolved proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and waste products.
- Blood contains cells and proteins: These components make blood thicker than plasma alone. Blood cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Centrifugation separates blood: When blood is spun in a centrifuge, the denser blood cells settle to the bottom, leaving the lighter plasma layer on top.
While plasma is not thicker than blood, it can demonstrate a higher flow resistance compared to water, exhibiting different flow behavior.
