Blood Component: Identifying the Fluid Matrix

Blood is a complex fluid containing several components suspended in a liquid matrix.

• The primary role of the fluid matrix is to transport nutrients, hormones, waste products, and blood cells throughout the body.
• This fluid matrix also helps regulate body temperature and pH.

Role of Plasma in Blood

Plasma is the liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is mostly water (about 92% by volume) and contains dissolved proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide, platelets and blood cells themselves.

• Plasma fits the description of the fluid matrix where blood cells like red blood cells and white blood cells, along with platelets, are suspended.
• White blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells are cellular components, not the fluid matrix itself.

Therefore, plasma serves as the fluid matrix of blood.