O blood plasma it is one of the components of blood and represents about 55% of the volume of this tissue. It corresponds to the liquid part and brings together the cellular elements: red blood cells or erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
→ What are the components of blood plasma?
It has a yellowish color and is composed mainly of water (about 90%), with the remainder consisting of dissolved substances, likeproteins, clotting factors, salts, lipids, hormones and vitamins.
Without a doubt, proteins are one of the main components of plasma and are related to several important processes for the body. THE albumin it is the largest amount of protein and is related to osmotic balance. Youantibodies they are also present, but in smaller amounts, and are related to the body's defense. There is still the fibrinogen, which is a protein that acts in the blood clotting process.
→ What is the function of plasma?
The main function of plasma is to ensure the transport of substances throughout the body.
, such as nutrients and gases. Carbon dioxide from cellular respiration, for example, is transported mainly dissolved in the plasma, which ensures its transport to the lung for subsequent elimination. By transporting antibodies, plasma also actively participates in the body's defense. Furthermore, it helps in coagulation, as it transports important substances for the process to occur.Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
It is also worth noting that plasma ensures the movement of cellular elements in the blood. Therefore, it ensures that these elements are able to play their role in the body.
→ What is the difference between plasma and serum?
While blood plasma has fibrinogen, which is related to the clotting process, in serum, this protein is absent. When performing blood tests, it is necessary to separate the cellular elements from the plasma. Through centrifugation, it is possible to carry out this separation and obtain the serum. During this process, which is done without the use of an anticoagulant, fibrinogen is consumed, forming a clot and separating the liquid part (serum). Consequently, serum is nothing more than plasma without fibrinogen.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "What is blood plasma?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/biologia/o-que-e-plasma-sanguineo.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
