Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Introduction To Blood

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 5

Textbook Question

Serum is:
(a) The same as blood plasma
(b) Plasma minus the formed elements
(c) Plasma minus the proteins
(d) Plasma minus fibrinogen
(e) Plasma minus the electrolytes

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the composition of blood plasma. Blood plasma is the liquid portion of blood that contains water, electrolytes, proteins (such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen), nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Step 2: Recognize that serum is derived from blood plasma but differs in its composition. Serum is obtained after blood has clotted, meaning certain components are removed during the clotting process.

Step 3: Focus on fibrinogen, a key protein involved in blood clotting. During clot formation, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which forms the clot. Serum is the fluid that remains after the clot has formed, meaning it lacks fibrinogen.

Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question. Serum is not the same as blood plasma (option a), nor is it plasma minus the formed elements (option b), nor plasma minus the proteins (option c), nor plasma minus the electrolytes (option e). Serum is specifically plasma minus fibrinogen (option d).

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is based on the removal of fibrinogen during clot formation, leaving serum as plasma minus fibrinogen.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood that holds cells in suspension. It is primarily composed of water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and waste products. Plasma serves as a medium for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste, and plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and volume.

Serum

Serum is the clear fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is essentially blood plasma without the clotting factors, particularly fibrinogen. Serum contains electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, and various proteins, making it important for diagnostic tests and therapeutic applications.

Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a soluble plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during the clotting process. It plays a critical role in hemostasis, helping to form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding. Understanding the role of fibrinogen is essential for distinguishing between serum and plasma, as serum lacks this protein.