__________ is the liquid part of the blood of which 90% - 92% is water and the remaining 7% - 8% is made up of proteins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, and so on.
Plasma
Understanding the Liquid Part of Blood
The question asks to identify the liquid component of blood that is primarily water (90%-92%) and contains dissolved substances like proteins, minerals, hormones, and enzymes (7%-8%). Blood is a complex fluid made up of several components, which can be broadly classified into the liquid part and the cellular components.
Components of Blood
Blood is composed of:
- Liquid matrix: This is the fluid portion.
- Formed elements: These are the cellular components suspended in the liquid matrix.
Let's examine the options provided:
- Plasma: Plasma is the pale yellow liquid component of blood in which the blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, and platelets) are suspended. It makes up about 55% of the total blood volume. Plasma itself is about 90-92% water, and the remaining 8-10% consists of dissolved proteins (like albumin, globulins, fibrinogen), glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide, platelets and blood cells. This composition matches the description given in the question.
- WBC (White Blood Cell): White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are part of the immune system. They are cellular components of blood, not the liquid part.
- Blood platelet: Blood platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, irregular-shaped cell fragments involved in blood clotting. They are cellular components, not the liquid part of blood.
- RBC (Red Blood Cell): Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for carrying oxygen. They are the most abundant cellular component of blood, not the liquid part.
Detailed Analysis of the Liquid Part of Blood
The description provided perfectly matches the composition of blood plasma. Plasma is the extracellular matrix of blood tissue. Its main role is to transport blood cells throughout the body, along with nutrients, waste products, antibodies, clotting proteins, hormones, and proteins that help maintain fluid balance.
| Blood Component | Type | Primary Composition/Role | Fits Question Description? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma | Liquid Matrix | ~90-92% Water, ~8-10% Proteins, Salts, Hormones, etc. | Yes |
| RBC (Red Blood Cell) | Cellular Element | Oxygen transport (contains hemoglobin) | No |
| WBC (White Blood Cell) | Cellular Element | Immune defense | No |
| Blood platelet | Cellular Element | Blood clotting | No |
Based on the composition described (90%-92% water and 7%-8% other substances like proteins, minerals, hormones, enzymes), the component fitting this description is Plasma.
Revision Table: Blood Components Summary
| Component | Percentage of Blood Volume (approx) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma | 55% | Transports blood cells, nutrients, waste, hormones, proteins |
| Red Blood Cells (RBCs) | 45% | Oxygen transport |
| White Blood Cells (WBCs) | <1% | Immune response |
| Platelets | <1% | Blood clotting |
Additional Information: Functions of Plasma
Plasma plays several vital roles in the body:
- Transport: It carries red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets throughout the body. It also transports essential nutrients absorbed from the digestive system, waste products to the kidneys and lungs, hormones from endocrine glands, and vitamins.
- Blood Clotting: Plasma contains fibrinogen and other clotting factors necessary for hemostasis (stopping bleeding).
- Immunity: Plasma contains antibodies (immunoglobulins) that are crucial for the body's defense against pathogens.
- Maintaining Blood Pressure and Volume: Plasma proteins, particularly albumin, help maintain osmotic pressure, which keeps fluid within the blood vessels and helps regulate blood pressure and volume.
- pH Balance: Plasma contains buffers that help maintain the blood's pH within a narrow, healthy range (7.35-7.45).
- Temperature Regulation: As a liquid, plasma helps distribute heat throughout the body, contributing to thermoregulation.
In summary, Plasma is the crucial liquid part of blood, essential for transporting substances and maintaining various physiological functions.
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