What is the primary function of plasma in the circulatory system?

The primary function of plasma in the circulatory system is to transport nutrients and waste products throughout the body. Plasma is the liquid component of blood and makes up about 55% of its volume. It serves as a medium in which various substances are dissolved and carried to different cells and tissues. This includes transporting glucose, amino acids, hormones, vitamins, and electrolytes, which are essential for cellular functions. Additionally, plasma also facilitates the removal of metabolic waste products such as carbon dioxide and urea, ensuring that these substances are efficiently transported to the organs responsible for their excretion.

While plasma does play roles in other important processes, such as assisting in blood clotting and providing immunity, these functions are secondary to its primary purpose of nutrient and waste transport. The components involved in blood clotting, like platelets and clotting factors, and the proteins responsible for immune responses are also found in plasma, but they do not capture the primary role of plasma itself in the circulatory system.