Which statement best describes plasma?

• A. It is the solid component of blood.
• B. It carries oxygen bound to hemoglobin.
• C. It is a watery fluid containing proteins and minerals.
• D. It forms clots and becomes fibrin.

Answer: (C)

Plasma is the watery part of blood that remains after the formed elements are removed. It makes up most of blood’s volume and is mostly water, with dissolved ions, nutrients, hormones, wastes, and a group of proteins known as plasma proteins (like albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen). This composition lets plasma transport substances throughout the body and helps maintain blood volume, osmotic balance, and pH. The description that plasma is a watery fluid containing proteins and minerals matches this understanding precisely, making it the best choice. The other statements point to different blood components or processes: solid components are blood cells, oxygen is carried by red blood cells bound to hemoglobin, and clot formation involves a cascade with platelets and fibrinogen, not plasma alone.