Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Which component of blood is responsible for transporting nutrients and waste?

Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
Plasma

The correct answer is: Plasma

The component of blood that is primarily responsible for transporting nutrients and waste is plasma. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is a yellowish fluid that contains water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, nutrients, and waste products. This makes it essential for maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Plasma facilitates the transportation of various substances: it carries nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract to cells throughout the body, and it also collects and transports metabolic waste products from cells to organs like the kidneys and liver for detoxification and excretion. Additionally, plasma contains proteins such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, which play roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, immune responses, and blood clotting. In contrast, red blood cells primarily function to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs. White blood cells are crucial for immune responses and defending the body against infections. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and wound healing. Each of these components plays a specific role that is distinct from the function of plasma in nutrient and waste transportation.