Plasma's main function is to transport essential substances throughout the body and remove waste products. Plasma, when separated from the rest of the blood, is a light yellow liquid and carries water, salts, and enzymes. According to the provided reference, the core role of plasma is to take nutrients, hormones, and proteins to the parts of the body that need it. It also plays a crucial role in waste removal, as cells deposit their waste products into the plasma.
Key Functions of Plasma
Plasma performs several vital functions within the body:
- Nutrient Transport: Carries essential nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and lipids to cells for energy and building blocks.
- Hormone Transport: Delivers hormones from endocrine glands to target tissues and organs to regulate various physiological processes.
- Protein Transport: Transports vital proteins such as:
- Albumin: Maintains osmotic pressure and transports various substances.
- Globulins: Includes antibodies for immune defense and transport proteins.
- Fibrinogen: Essential for blood clotting.
- Waste Removal: Transports waste products like carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid from cells to excretory organs (e.g., kidneys, lungs) for elimination.
- Maintaining Fluid Balance: Helps regulate fluid balance by maintaining osmotic pressure, which prevents excessive fluid leakage from blood vessels into tissues.
- Thermoregulation: Assists in regulating body temperature by distributing heat throughout the body.
Composition of Plasma
To understand plasma's functions fully, it's helpful to know its composition:
| Component | Percentage | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 92% | Solvent for transporting other components; regulates body temperature. |
| Plasma Proteins | 7% | Albumin (osmotic pressure), Globulins (immunity), Fibrinogen (clotting). |
| Other Solutes | 1% | Electrolytes (ion balance), Nutrients (energy), Waste products (excretion), Gases |
Clinical Significance
Plasma is clinically significant for several reasons. It is used in various diagnostic tests to assess a person's health. Additionally, plasma transfusions are used to treat patients with:
- Bleeding disorders
- Severe infections
- Liver disease
