Human Biochemistry Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Special Topics
Blood Plasma and the Coagulation Process
Functions of Blood

Almost all Blood Functions (with the exception of specific cellular functions such as Oxygen transport or immunological defense) are performed by plasma or its components. The main FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD are as follows: 1) Respiration — transport of oxygen from the Lungs to Tissues and transport of CO2 from tissues to the lungs; 2) Nutrition — transport of absorbed nutrients; 3) excretion — transport of metabolic end products to the Kidneys, lungs, Skin, and intestines for subsequent elimination; 4) maintenance of normal acid-base balance in the body; 5) Regulation of Water balance (blood influences water exchange between the circulating fluid and tissue fluid); 6) regulation of body Temperature through heat distribution; 7) protection against infections (carried out by leukocytes and plasma-circulating Antibodies); 8) transport of Hormones and REGULATION OF METABOLISM; 9) transport of various metabolites.

Plasma contains water, electrolytes, metabolites, nutrients, Proteins, and hormones. The Water and Electrolyte content of plasma is practically identical to that of all extracellular fluids.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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