plasma
PLAZ-muh
/ˈplæzmə/
The colorless, watery, fluid portion of blood in which the red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended.
Refers specifically to the liquid component of blood that still contains clotting factors, unlike serum, which has had clotting factors removed.
The story behind the word. In the 19th century, Czech physiologist Jan Purkyně adopted the Greek word for 'molded substance' to describe the clear liquid of blood, viewing it as the formative, life-giving fluid that molds and nourishes the body's tissues.
Word relationships
- serum: Serum is the liquid left over after blood has clotted, meaning it lacks fibrinogen and other clotting factors present in plasma.
Commonly confused with
- cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is the fluid inside a biological cell, whereas plasma is the fluid outside the cells in the bloodstream.
Word family
- plasmatic (adjective): Pertaining to or resembling plasma.
Collocations
- blood plasma
- fresh frozen plasma
- plasma donation
Example sentences
- "The doctor ordered a rapid infusion of fresh frozen plasma to restore the patient's clotting proteins." Emergency medicine
Memory hook
Imagine a plastic cup holding a clear liquid; 'plasma' sounds like 'plastic' and is the fluid container of blood cells. The liquid mold of blood.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the physical state of matter called 'plasma' (ionized gas), though they share the same name.
Fun facts
- Plasma makes up about 55% of your total blood volume and is composed of roughly 92% water.
Related words
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