3.3.11

Plasma

Test yourself

Blood Plasma

Plasma is the liquid that makes up blood and carries the red and white blood cells and platelets around the body. Plasma also transports other substances:

Illustrative background for Carbon dioxideIllustrative background for Carbon dioxide ?? "content

Carbon dioxide

  • Carbon dioxide is a waste product made by cells in respiration.
  • It is dissolved in the plasma, and transported to the lungs where it is breathed out.
Illustrative background for Heat energyIllustrative background for Heat energy ?? "content

Heat energy

  • Because plasma is a liquid, it can easily carry heat energy around the body.
  • When we are too hot or too cold, our blood flow changes to increase or decrease the amount of heat energy we lose from our bodies.
Illustrative background for UreaIllustrative background for Urea ?? "content

Urea

  • Urea is a substance made in the liver from excess protein.
  • Urea is dissolved in the blood plasma, and then passes out of the body in urine.
Illustrative background for HormonesIllustrative background for Hormones ?? "content

Hormones

  • Hormones such as insulin and sex hormones are transported around the body dissolved in the plasma.
Illustrative background for Digested foodIllustrative background for Digested food ?? "content

Digested food

  • Digested food particles are absorbed into the blood from the small intestine.
  • They are transported, dissolved in the plasma, to the parts of the body where they are needed.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium