What is the Difference Between Plasma and Tissue Fluid?

Plasma and tissue fluid are two essential components of the body that serve different functions. Here are the main differences between them:

• Composition: Plasma is a straw-colored fluid that makes up more than half of the blood, consisting of 90-92% water and 6-8% proteins, including albumin and fibrinogen. Tissue fluid, on the other hand, is a fluid found between the cell spaces of a tissue and has a lower protein content compared to plasma.
• Role: Plasma's major role is to aid in blood coagulation during trauma or injury. Tissue fluid's primary role is the exchange of nutrients and gases between cells and blood. It helps in the transport of nutrients from the blood to the cells and in the exchange of gases.
• Location: Plasma is present in blood vessels, while tissue fluid is found in the spaces between cells, constituting a higher percentage than plasma of the total extracellular fluid.
• Protein Content: Plasma has more protein molecules compared to tissue fluid.
• Blood Cells: Blood plasma contains white blood cells but no red blood cells. Tissue fluid does not contain any blood cells.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: The hydrostatic pressure of the blood is higher than that of tissue fluid.

In summary, plasma is a viscous fluid that plays a crucial role in blood coagulation and is found in blood vessels, whereas tissue fluid is a liquid that bathes cells of the tissues and is involved in the exchange of nutrients and gases.

Comparative Table: Plasma vs Tissue Fluid

Here is a table comparing the differences between plasma and tissue fluid:

Plasma is a straw-colored fluid that makes up more than half of the blood, while tissue fluid is the fluid found between the cell spaces of a tissue. Plasma has more protein molecules and dissolved oxygen compared to tissue fluid, which has a higher carbon dioxide content. Plasma's main role is to aid in blood coagulation during trauma or injury, whereas tissue fluid's major role is the exchange of nutrients and gases between cells and blood.