Plasma
Normal blood
plasma is a clear, slightly yellowish fluid
totaling approximately 55% of the total volume of the blood. The
plasma is a water solution containing the digested food materials
from the walls of the small intestine as well as the waste
materials from the tissues. This solution contains several
hundred different substances. In addition, the plasma carries
antibodies and hormones. The plasma transports most of the waste
carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Plasma
consists of about 91% water, 7% protein material and 0.9% various
mineral salts. The salts and proteins are important in keeping
the proper balance between the water in the tissues and in the
blood. Disturbances in this ratio may result in excessive water
in the tissues resulting in swelling or edema.
Normal blood
plasma is a clear, slightly yellowish fluid
totaling approximately 55% of the total volume of the blood. The
plasma is a water solution containing the digested food materials
from the walls of the small intestine as well as the waste
materials from the tissues. This solution contains several
hundred different substances. In addition, the plasma carries
antibodies and hormones. The plasma transports most of the waste
carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Plasma
consists of about 91% water, 7% protein material and 0.9% various
mineral salts. The salts and proteins are important in keeping
the proper balance between the water in the tissues and in the
blood. Disturbances in this ratio may result in excessive water
in the tissues resulting in swelling or edema.