In an introductory study of blood, what is the name of the fluid portion of blood that suspends the formed elements?

• A. Erythrocytes
• B. Hematocrit
• C. Serum
• D. Plasma

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that blood is composed of two main components: the formed elements (cells and cell fragments) and the fluid portion.
2. Recall that the formed elements include erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets.
3. Identify that the fluid portion of blood, which suspends these formed elements, is called plasma.
4. Differentiate plasma from serum: plasma contains clotting factors, whereas serum is plasma without clotting factors.
5. Recognize that hematocrit refers to the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, not the fluid portion.