See Also: plasma(1)(dictionary)
plasma-(2)(dictionary)
plasma(encyclopedia)
Plasma(medicine)
plasma(dictionary)
Plasma(health)
plasma containment(medicine)
plasma cell(medicine)
plasma exchange(medicine)
plasma substitute(medicine)

plasma (sh)




Liquid part of blood (including dissolved chemicals but not the cells and platelets).

This straw-coloured fluid serves as the blood's transport medium, helps maintain blood pressure, distributes body heat, and maintains the pH balance in the bloodstream and body. More than 90% consists of water, about 7% proteins, and the rest other substances, including waste products of metabolism. Important plasma proteins include albumin, coagulation factors, and globulins, including gamma globulin and a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte formation. Serum is the liquid part of the blood that remains after clotting.