1. Water: Plasma is composed of approximately 90% water, which serves as the solvent for various substances such as electrolytes, proteins, and waste products.
2. Electrolytes: Plasma contains various electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. These electrolytes help maintain the body's fluid balance, regulate nerve and muscle function, and support other essential bodily functions.
3. Proteins: Plasma contains a variety of proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. These proteins play important roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting substances throughout the body, and supporting the immune system.
4. Nutrients: Plasma contains nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and lipids, which are essential for providing energy and building and repairing tissues.
5. Waste products: Plasma also contains waste products such as urea, creatinine, and bilirubin, which are produced as byproducts of metabolism and are removed from the body through the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
6. Gases: Plasma contains gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, which are essential for cellular respiration and other metabolic processes. These gases are transported throughout the body by the blood.