blood plasma

n.
The pale yellow or gray-yellow, protein-containing fluid portion of the blood in which the blood cells and platelets are normally suspended.

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The liquid component of blood, accounting for about half the total volume of the blood. Plasma is a solution of nutrients and various proteins, mainly albumin and various globulins, including the immunoglobulins which are responsible for much of the body's defence against infection, and some adverse reactions to foods. When blood has clotted (see blood clotting), the resultant fluid is known as serum. See also lipids, plasma.

n.

The yellow or gray-yellow, protein-containing fluid portion of blood in which the blood cells and platelets are normally suspended.

the fluid portion of blood in which the red blood cells and other cellular components (the 'formed elements') are suspended. Clotting may be prevented by the addition of disodium hydrogen citrate which removes ionized Ca²⁺ by the formation of an un-ionized complex. Fluoride or oxalate may also be used to precipitate the Ca as an insoluble salt. Heparin is often used. When whole blood containing such an anticoagulant is centrifuged, the formed elements sediment in a volume equal to about 45% of the total volume of blood. The supernatant is known as the plasma. In vertebrates it is clear and almost colourless and clots as easily as whole blood. See also anticoagulant. Compare serum.

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The liquid phase of the blood, obtained by sedimentation or centrifugation of blood treated with anticoagulant. Is the equivalent of serum plus fibrinogen and consists of water, proteins, electrolytes and other solutes.