What is plasma in the blood? Blood plasma is a yellowish, clear liquid in which red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are suspended. It is mostly water and dissolved in it are other essential ingredients. Blood plasma is not made up of cells and is distinct from plasma cells, which are antibody secreting cells associated with an immunity response to neutralize invading bacterial and viral pathogens, toxins or antigens.
Under healthy conditions, just over half of your total blood’s volume is plasma. This volume is vital because plasma is the transport medium that continuously moves, delivers and removes a wide variety of substances necessary to maintain good health. Following helps illustrate what are the workings this transport system.
Plasma circulates for availability when needed by:
- platelets
- enzymes
- hormones
- leukocytes
- clotting factors
- plasma proteins
- immunoglobulins
Plasma drops off these cellular requirements:
Plasma collects metabolic waste for removal:
Plasma also plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure and electrolyte balance, as well as distribution of heat, which are additional important factors toward preserving your body’s homeostasis.
The manipulation and use of plasma is involved in life saving treatments, for instance clotting factor concentrates can be used to treat blood clotting disorders, like hemophilia. Plasmapheresis is a therapy that involves extracting plasma, purifying it of antibodies and returning it as a form of treatment for several autoimmune diseases, like myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Plasma is used for blood transfusions that can be immediately given to those suffering from excessive blood loss or shock without matching their blood type.