Question

Write the functions of blood plasma.

Answer 1

Hint: Plasma is a clear, straw coloured liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other cellular components are removed. It is the single largest component of human blood, comprising 55% and contains water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins.

Complete answer:
> Plasma is primarily composed of water (approximately 92%), proteins (6-8%) such as albumins, globulins, fibrinogens. It also contains small amounts of minerals such as sodium ions, potassium ions, glucose, amino acids etc. Bood proteins are also known as plasma proteins. They serve many different functions such as transportation of nutrients and functioning of the immune system.
blood plasma acts as an insulator of the body, some of its important functions are listed below:
> One of the main functions of blood plasma is the removal of waste from cellular functions that helps to produce energy. Afterwards plasma accepts and transports this waste to other areas of the body such as the kidneys and liver for excretion.
> It regulates the body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat as required.
> It also helps in retention of fluids in the blood.
> Fibrinogens present in the plasma are needed for clotting or coagulation of blood.
> Albumin is vital for maintaining a balance of fluid called oncotic pressure in the blood.
> Globulins are involved in the defence mechanism of the body and the albumins help in maintaining the adequate osmotic pressure in the body.

Note: Plasma without clotting factor is known as serum.Factors for coagulation are present in their inactive form in plasma.