What does the liquid portion of blood mainly consist of?

The liquid portion of blood is primarily composed of plasma, which is a yellowish fluid that makes up about 55% of total blood volume. Plasma contains a variety of components, including water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, nutrients, and waste products. The proteins found in plasma, such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, play critical roles in blood clotting, immune responses, and maintaining osmotic pressure.

While red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are vital constituents of blood, they make up the cellular components and are suspended within this liquid medium. Therefore, understanding the significance of plasma is essential, as it is responsible for transporting these cells and the various substances throughout the body, facilitating numerous physiological functions.