What Is a Blood Plasma? Simple Explanation

Understanding What Blood Plasma Is

Blood plasma is the liquid part of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products around the body. It makes up more than half of your total blood volume.

How Blood Plasma Works

Plasma acts as a transport system. It moves essential materials like glucose, proteins, and minerals to the cells that need them, while also carrying away carbon dioxide and other waste for removal.

Examples of What Plasma Carries

Plasma transports red and white blood cells, platelets, antibodies, clotting proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids.

Why Blood Plasma Matters

Plasma helps regulate body temperature, maintain blood pressure, fight infections, and allow nutrients to reach tissues. Without plasma, the body’s cells wouldn’t receive what they need to function.

Key Characteristics of Blood Plasma

• Makes up about 55% of total blood.
• Mostly water, with proteins and dissolved substances.
• Transports nutrients, hormones, and waste.
• Plays a major role in immunity and clotting.

The Simple Takeaway

Blood plasma is the liquid foundation of blood, carrying nutrients, cells, and waste throughout the body. It keeps everything balanced, nourished, and functioning properly.