Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781305112100
Author: Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 8, Problem 1RQ
Summary Introduction

To explain: Blood plasma and its function.

Introduction: Hematologic system comprises of blood, blood vessels, and blood-forming organs. Blood is a fluid connective tissue that carries oxygen, glucose, and nutrients throughout the body. It mainly consists of four types of components, namely red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), plasma, and platelets.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Blood is a connective tissue, which flows from the heart through arteries and veins to all the body parts. Whole blood consists of two elements, namely formed elements and plasma. About 55% of the whole blood is plasma, which is mostly water. The blood plasma is the fluid or liquid portion of the blood.

Blood plasma mainly functions in transportation of the components present within it as follows:

  • • It transports the blood cells that play a critical role in maintaining the normal blood pressure of the body.
  • • It helps to deliver nutrients to various cells of the body and in the same way it carries waste products from various organs for excretion.
  • • It acts as a transporting medium for the transportation of platelets and over a hundred other substances such as proteins, hormones, amino acids, lipoproteins, simple sugars, and dissolved gases throughout the body.
  • • It participates in immunity and clot formation.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
What are the two principal components of the blood?
Why are plasma proteins important to blood volume?
What are ten substances that are found in blood plasma and what do they do?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions Updated
Biology
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage