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Plasma (Blood Plasma) |
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Blood Plasma is one
of the many components (including different types of cells) which,
together, form the fluid known as blood.
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The structure of Blood Plasma is
summarised as follows: |
Normal blood plasma is 90-92 % water.
This is the straw-coloured fluid in which the blood cells are suspended, and
consists of: |
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Dissolved substances including electrolytes such as sodium,
chlorine, potassiun, manganese, and calcium ions;
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Blood plasma proteins (albumin, globulin, fibrinogen);
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Hormones.
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The functions of Blood Plasma include: |
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The medium in which the blood cells are transported around
the body (by the blood
vessels)
and are able to operate effectively.
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Helps to maintain optimum body temperature throughout the
organism.
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Helps to control the pH of the blood and the body tissues,
maintaining this within a range at which the cells can thrive.
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Helps to maintain an ideal balance of electrolytes in the
blood and tissues of the body.
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For more information about other components (or "constituents") of
blood, see the page about:
The Structure
and Functions of Blood.
This may interest students of massage, reflexology, beauty therapies, or other
health or clinical courses.
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