Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood that makes up 55% to 60% of the volume of total blood. It is a solution consisting mainly of water (about 90-92%) and containing various formed elements - blood cells and platelets. In addition, plasma contains solutes that can be divided into three groups: proteins, inorganic salts and transport substances.
Proteins are one of the most important components of plasma. They make up about 7-9% of plasma volume and play an important role in various biological processes of the body. Proteins contained in plasma include albumin, globulins and fibrinogen. Albumins are the most abundant proteins in plasma and are responsible for transporting various substances in the body. Globulins, in turn, perform the function of immune defense, and fibrinogen, turning into fibrin, ensures blood clotting.
Inorganic salts are another important group of plasma components. The ions of chlorine, bicarbonate, phosphate, sulfate, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in solution perform several functions. They regulate the acid-base balance of the body, participate in the regulation of metabolism and ensure the normal functioning of the muscles and nervous system.
Transport substances are the third group of plasma components. They include various substances that are transported by the blood to the organs and tissues of the body. Among these substances are glucose and amino acids, which are products of digestion, as well as nitrogen and oxygen, important components in the respiration process. In addition, plasma contains metabolic products such as carbon dioxide, urea and uric acid, as well as substances absorbed by the skin, mucous membrane, lungs and other organs.
One of the main functions of plasma is to transport oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, as well as remove metabolic waste products and carbon dioxide from the body. In addition, plasma is involved in the formation of blood clots, which helps stop bleeding in case of vascular damage.
Thus, blood plasma is an integral part of the blood and plays an important role in ensuring the normal functioning of the human body. It consists of solutes such as proteins, inorganic salts and transport substances, which perform various functions, from transporting oxygen and nutrients to regulating the body's acid-base balance. Plasma is also involved in the process of blood clotting, which helps stop bleeding from wounds. Understanding the role of blood plasma in the body helps in developing treatments for various diseases and improving people's quality of life.