What is the purpose of plasma in blood?

Plasma serves an essential purpose in the blood as the fluid component that helps deliver nutrients to individual cells throughout the body. It constitutes about 55% of total blood volume and is primarily composed of water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and waste products. The proteins in plasma include albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, which contribute to functions such as maintaining osmotic pressure, acting as antibodies, and aiding in blood clotting.

By transporting a wide range of nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, plasma ensures that cells receive the energy and materials they need to function properly. Additionally, plasma also plays a significant role in transporting waste products away from cells to be excreted, such as carbon dioxide and urea. This function is critical for maintaining homeostasis and overall health.

The other choices reflect functions that plasma either indirectly contributes to or are performed by different components in the blood. While plasma does help maintain blood viscosity, that is not its primary purpose. The transport of hormones is just one aspect of plasma's function and not its exclusive role. Lastly, plasma does not create red blood cells; rather, red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis.