Definition - What does Plasma mean?
Plasma is an extracellular fluid found in humans and animals. Blood plasma is the type of plasma familiar to most. Non-blood plasmas include milk and lymph fluids. Plasma is called an extracellular fluid because it exists outside of the body's cells. This fluid moves through the body and wraps around or bathes the cells.
Plasma is the transportation conduit for the nutrients, fats, hormones, and proteins that must be delivered to the body's cells on a continual basis.
A person's blood plasma may be extracted from his or her drawn blood sample to conduct drugs of abuse testing.
SureHire explains Plasma
Blood plasma is the body fluid in which red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended. This clear or yellowish fluid comprises approximately 55% of total blood volume. Made mostly of water, plasma also contains other materials, including salts, enzymes, and cellular waste.
In addition to the red and white blood cells and platelets, blood plasma contains many other important organic materials. Plasma's volume helps maintain appropriate blood pressure. Donor blood is sometimes separated into units of plasma which can then be given to someone who has suffered a loss of blood.
