What are the main components of plasma?

The main components of plasma are water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and waste products, making it essential for a variety of physiological functions.

Water makes up the majority of plasma, acting as a solvent and transport medium for numerous substances in the bloodstream. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, are vital for maintaining osmotic balance, acid-base balance, and normal physiological functions, including nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Proteins found in plasma, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, play critical roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting substances, and clotting. Hormones, which are signaling molecules, travel through plasma to regulate various bodily functions, and waste products, such as urea and creatinine, are carried for excretion by the kidneys.

This comprehensive composition highlights the complexity of plasma as a vital component of the circulatory system, facilitating the transport of cells and other materials necessary for homeostasis.