Which component makes up the majority of plasma?

Plasma, the liquid component of blood, is primarily composed of water, which constitutes about 90-92% of its total volume. This high water content is crucial as it serves multiple functions, including acting as a solvent for various solutes, facilitating transport of nutrients, waste products, hormones, and gases throughout the body. Water also plays a key role in maintaining blood volume and pressure.

While proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients are important components of plasma, they are significantly less abundant in comparison to water. Proteins account for approximately 7-8% of plasma volume and are vital for functions such as immune responses and blood clotting. Electrolytes, which include ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium, and nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, are present in smaller concentrations.

Therefore, it is water that overwhelmingly dominates the composition of plasma, fulfilling essential physiological roles necessary for the proper functioning of the circulatory system.