MEDICAL BIOLOGY, ANATOMY, HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 4. BLOOD SYSTEM

BLOOD PLASMA

Blood Plasma consists of 91% Water and 9% dry residue, which includes Organic compounds (Proteins, glucose, Amino Acids, urea, uric acid, etc.) and inorganic salts.

Protein composition of blood plasma:

Plasma Proteins (albumins, globulins (alpha, beta, and gamma globulins), and fibrinogen) account for about 7% of the plasma volume (65–85 g/L). Albumins make up the largest fraction at 40 g/L.

Blood Plasma Proteins perform the following Functions:

1. Albumins generate oncotic pressure, regulate circulating blood volume, and control The rate of Urine Formation.

2. Albumins serve as the body's protein reserve, providing a source for Amino acid synthesis.

3. Albumins and globulins (alpha and beta) perform a transport function by carrying Hormones, iron, Lipids, and other substances.

4. Gamma globulins act as Antibodies, providing a protective function by participating in Immunity (the body's Resistance to Infectious diseases).

5. Blood proteins maintain blood viscosity, which in turn helps sustain vascular pressure.

6. Proteins exhibit buffering properties, meaning they help maintain a constant blood pH.

7. Fibrinogen is involved in blood clotting and, consequently, in halting bleeding.

Blood glucose levels range between 3.33–5.55 mmol/L. Glucose serves as the primary energy source, and the sole energy source for Brain Neurons. When the concentration drops below 2.22 mmol/L, a person may experience hypoglycemic coma, accompanied by loss of consciousness, as well as circulatory and respiratory failure.

Blood plasma contains mineral salts, predominantly Na+, K+, СІ-, НСО3-, HPO4. Their concentration is about 0.9% of the plasma mass. Trace Elements such as copper and iron are present in very small amounts.

The constant concentration of ions in plasma is crucial for normal physiological function and is therefore strictly regulated by regulatory systems. Any disruption of this regulation poses a life-threatening danger.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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