What is the liquid component of blood, contains nutrients and waste?

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Plasma is the liquid component of blood. It makes up about 55% of blood and is mostly water, serving as the transport medium for nutrients to tissues and for waste products away from cells. It also carries important proteins like albumin that help maintain fluid balance, fibrinogen involved in clotting, and antibodies for immune defense. This liquid phase enables nutrients from digestion to reach cells and wastes to be carried to organs for elimination. The other terms refer to different parts or conditions: lymph flow is part of the lymphatic system, blood capillaries are the tiny vessels that carry blood, and oedema is swelling from excess fluid.