Electrolytes: Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water. The main electrolytes in plasma include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+). These electrolytes are responsible for maintaining the body's fluid balance, regulating nerve and muscle function, and controlling pH levels in the blood.
Proteins: Plasma contains a variety of proteins, the most abundant being albumin. Albumin helps maintain blood osmotic pressure, transports hormones, vitamins, and fatty acids, and plays a role in the immune response. Other proteins found in plasma include globulins, which participate in immune functions and carry hormones, and fibrinogen, which is essential for blood clotting.
Waste products: Plasma also contains waste products that are being transported to the kidneys for elimination. These waste products include urea (a byproduct of protein metabolism), creatinine (a breakdown product of muscle creatine), uric acid (a waste product of purine metabolism), and bilirubin (a pigment derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin).
Other components: In addition to these major components, plasma contains trace amounts of other substances such as vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide. These components play vital roles in various bodily functions and maintain homeostasis in the body.
It's important to note that the composition of plasma can vary slightly based on factors such as age, diet, hydration status, and underlying health conditions.