The difference between blood and plasma is easy to understand:
- Plasma is the liquid component of blood.
- Blood is the body’s fluid connective tissue that constitutes 55% plasma, and 45% blood cells.
Hence, we could consider plasma as a part of the blood. In this article, we shall explore more differences between the two:
| Difference Between Blood and Plasma | |
| Blood | Plasma |
| Blood is the body’s fluid connective tissue. | Plasma is the blood’s liquid component. |
| Blood contains RBC, WBC, Platelets, and Plasma. | Plasma is made up of water, proteins, waste products, minerals, clotting factors, immunoglobulins, carbon dioxide and hormones. |
| Blood is coloured red. | Plasma has a straw-yellow colouration. |
Blood
Blood is one of the most vital components required for sustaining life in humans as well as other animals. It contains nutrients and oxygen that are required for cells and also collects metabolic waste products from these same cells to be transported away from the body. Blood is made up of plasma – about 55% in humans. Other components of blood include red blood cells (or erythrocytes), white blood cells (or leukocytes) and platelets (or thrombocytes). In vertebrates, blood also contains an iron-containing protein called haemoglobin, which is responsible for the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Read more:
- Composition of Blood and its Functions
- Blood Circulatory System – Everything You Need to Know
- Blood Coagulation – Discover The Process | Deep Vein Thrombosis
Plasma
Plasma is an integral component of blood. It is made up of water – about 95% (in volume) and also contains other important elements such as proteins, clotting factors, glucose, electrolytes, carbon dioxide and hormones. Plasma is also important as it ensures the body is free from infection and other disorders of the blood. One of the most important medical products derived from plasma is fresh frozen plasma. It is used to treat many types of injuries and trauma and hence is kept stocked in many hospitals and emergency trauma centres.
Frequently Asked Questions on Difference Between Blood and Plasma
What is the difference between plasma and blood?
Plasma is the liquid component of blood while blood is the body’s fluid connective tissue that constitutes 55% plasma and 45% blood cells.
Explore more about blood, plasma or other related topics by registering with BYJU’S Biology.
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