AEMCA Practice Exam

What makes up plasma?

1. Red blood cells and white blood cells

2. Platelets and electrolytes

3. Hormones, water, salts, proteins, wastes, glucose

4. Only water and glucose

The correct answer is: Hormones, water, salts, proteins, wastes, glucose

Plasma is the liquid component of blood that serves multiple crucial functions in the body. The composition of plasma includes a variety of elements that contribute to its roles in transport, regulation, and protection. The correct answer highlights that plasma is made up of hormones, water, salts, proteins, wastes, and glucose. Water constitutes the majority of plasma, providing a medium for the other components to dissolve and move throughout the circulatory system. Proteins, such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, play vital roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, immune function, and blood clotting. Hormones and electrolytes help regulate various physiological processes and maintain homeostasis. Additionally, plasma carries waste products, ensuring their removal from tissues, and glucose, which serves as a key energy source for cells. In contrast, the other options focus on specific components of blood, which are actually found in cellular elements rather than plasma. For instance, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are crucial substances in the blood but do not constitute plasma itself. Thus, the comprehensive nature of option C accurately reflects the diverse elements that make up plasma.