Difference Between Plasma and Blood (original) (raw)
Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
The primary **difference between plasma and blood is that plasma is in liquid form. It is a component of blood while blood is the **main circulating fluid and is responsible for transporting important nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide and waste products to and away from the cells. The composition of blood is approximately 55% plasma and 45% blood cells. Plasma is a light yellow liquid that carries out water, salts, and some enzymes.
**Difference between Plasma and Blood
The differences between plasma and blood are as follows:
| Feature | Blood | Plasma |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Blood is a bodily fluid that circulates through arteries, veins, and capillaries in animals, and carries nutrients, respiratory gases, and waste products to and away from the cells. | Plasma is the blood’s liquid component. |
| Color | Blood is red in color because it contains hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that contributes to the red color of blood. | Plasma is straw in color. It is composed of water approximately 95% (by volume). |
| Structure | Blood is composed of RBC, WBC, platelets, and plasma. | Plasma consists of water, glucose, amino acids, proteins, hormones, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, and dissolved carbon dioxide |
| Cells | Red blood cells and white blood cells are present in the blood. | Plasma does not contain any cellular components. |
| Antibodies | Antibodies and antigens present in the blood. | Plasma contains antibodies such as- immunoglobulins, which fight infection. |
**Blood
Blood is a special bodily fluid, it is the most essential component for sustaining life in both humans and other animals. The blood that circulates through veins, arteries and capillaries is called whole blood. It contains essential nutrients and oxygen that are supplied to all the cells of the body through the circulatory system. Blood is part of the circulatory system. Blood is made up of plasma - about 55%, and 45% blood cells.
Other components of blood are red blood cells which are also referred to as erythrocytes, white blood cells, also known as leukocytes and platelets also referred to as thrombocytes. In vertebrates, they have a closed circulatory system and contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin, which uses arteries and veins to transport oxygen in the bloodstream.
**Functions of Blood
Blood performs several functions; some important functions are mentioned below:
- It provides oxygen and other essential nutrients to the tissue.
- It also assists in removing carbon dioxide and other waste products from the tissue.
- It promotes clotting at the site of injury and is cut with platelets.
- It aids in the regulation of the body's temperature and pH.
**Plasma
Plasma is a pale yellow liquid. It is composed of water– around 90% (by volume). It is considered as the single largest component of the blood in humans. It consist of other essential substances including proteins, clotting factors, glucose, electrolytes, carbon dioxide and hormones.
Plasma is an integral part of blood. Plasma is essential to help your body recover from injury. Plasma also protects the body against infections. Furthermore, it regulates the body's electrolyte balance and pH equilibrium.
**Functions of Plasma
Plasma performs several functions; some important functions are mentioned below:
- It maintain the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body.
- It also supports immune function as well as clotting of the blood.
- It acts as a protein reserve for the body.
**Similarities Between Blood and Plasma
Following are some similarities between Blood and Plasma:
- Both blood and plasma transport essential elements by the human body.
- Both blood and plasma have immunological functions in the body.
- Both blood and plasma consist of clotting factors.