Plasma is the liquid component of blood in which the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are suspended, it constitutes more than half of the blood volume and consists mostly of water, dissolved salts (electrolytes) and proteins, the major protein in plasma is albumin, albumin helps keep fluid from leaking out of vessels and into tissues, albumin binds and carries substances like hormones and certain drugs, other proteins in plasma include antibodies (immumoglobulin) which actively defend the body against viruses, bacteria and cancer cells and clotting factors which control bleeding.
Plasma has many functions it acts as a reservior that can replenish insufficent water or absorb excess water from tissues, plasma also prevents blood vessels from collapsing and clogging and help maintain blood pressure and circulation throughout the body, plasma circulation also plays a role in regulating body temperture by carrying heat generated in core body tissues through areas that lose heat more readily, like the head, arms and legs.
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