Are the blood cells just suspended in the liquid we call blood?

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    Blood Cells Liquid
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition of blood, specifically whether blood cells are merely suspended in the liquid component known as plasma or if they constitute the entirety of blood, drawing a parallel to the atomic composition of matter.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether blood is entirely made up of blood cells or if they are suspended in plasma.
  • Another participant explains that blood consists of approximately 55% plasma, which is primarily water containing various dissolved chemicals and hormones, while the solid components include red and white blood cells and platelets.
  • A participant references hematocrit, suggesting that estimates of plasma volume can vary.
  • It is noted that plasma composition can differ based on various factors such as location, climate, and individual physiology, and that it also contains waste products like CO2, which are processed by organs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the composition of blood, with some agreeing on the general structure while others highlight variability in plasma estimates and components, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about blood composition, including the variability in plasma volume and the factors influencing it, which have not been fully explored.

Charlie G
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Is blood completely made up of blood cells, like we are completely made of atoms, or are the blood cells just suspended in the liquid we call blood?
 
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Blood is made up of both plasma about 55% of the volume, the liquid which is mostly water with various chemicals dissolved mostly from our food in it, and some hormones. Red/White blood cells and platelets (involved in sealing wounds) make up the solid part.
 


Oh ok, thanks for the reply Dagda:)
 


as in hematocrit - some estimates of plasma go higher
 


JorgeLobo said:
as in hematocrit - some estimates of plasma go higher

Indeed it varies from place to place, climate to climate and person to person. That said it's probably a good mean.

I forgot to mention those waste products as well such as CO2 and various organ dumping goes into the plasma as well, to be disposed of by the appropriate organs, lungs, liver, kidneys and so on.
 

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