What is the primary function of plasma in the blood?

The primary function of plasma in the blood is to serve as a clear, straw-colored fluid that transports nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste products throughout the body. Plasma constitutes about 55% of total blood volume and plays a crucial role in maintaining hemostasis, distributing heat, and enabling various biochemical reactions necessary for cellular metabolism.

Plasma's ability to carry nutrients is vital for cellular function and overall physiological processes. It contains important proteins such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, which contribute to nutrient transport, immune responses, and blood clotting, respectively. This function of plasma sets it apart from the roles of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are more specialized for oxygen transport, immune defense, and clot formation, respectively.