Which component of blood plays a key role in carrying nutrients and waste?

Plasma is the component of blood that plays a crucial role in carrying nutrients and waste. Comprising about 55% of total blood volume, plasma is primarily made up of water, but it also contains proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and various other substances. It serves as a transport medium, facilitating the movement of nutrients from the digestive tract to the cells and carrying waste products, such as carbon dioxide and urea, to the organs responsible for excretion.

Understanding the role of plasma in the circulatory system highlights its importance in maintaining homeostasis and supporting cellular functions. While white blood cells are involved in immune responses, platelets assist in clotting, and hemoglobin is mainly responsible for oxygen transport, it is plasma that is integral to the overall transportation of essential substances throughout the body.