What two components does blood consist of in addition to cells?

Blood is primarily composed of two main components besides the cellular elements: plasma and platelets. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It carries water, salts, enzymes, hormones, and nutrients, serving various functions such as transporting waste products and providing a medium for cellular components.

Platelets, on the other hand, are small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting. They help to stop bleeding by clumping together and initiating the clotting process.

Together, plasma and platelets are essential for the overall function of blood, which includes transportation of gases, nutrients, and waste, as well as participation in immune responses and the regulation of body temperature. Understanding these components is vital for grasping how blood functions in the body, which is critical in various biomedical fields.