Plasma

= Blood plasma = Blood plasma is a yellowish, weakly basic solution of proteins, electrolytes, and small organic molecules. Its volume corresponds to 5% of the body weight. It makes up approximately 55% of the blood volume and 25% of the extracellular fluid volume. It is not only enclosed in the extracellular compartment but it is exchanged with intracellular fluid – 70% of the blood plasma is exchanged in one minute.

Basic parameters of blood plasma

Composition
Blood plasma consists of water (93%) and solutes. Dissolved substances in blood plasma can be divided into organic (6%) and inorganic (1%).

Proteins
For more information see the Plasma proteins page.

Total amount: 60-80 g/l

Functions

 * Plasma volume maintenance;
 * transport functions;
 * isolation maintenance;
 * nutritional significance;
 * proteolytic systems;
 * plasma protease inhibitors;
 * defense of the organism against infection.

Related Articles

 * Blood
 * Blood elements
 * Plebotomy (blood drawing)
 * Blood count
 * Hemocoagulation
 * Coagulation test
 * Bleeding time
 * Erytrocyte sedimentation
 * Laboratory blood examination of ABB
 * Erythrocytes