Which term describes the connective tissue made of plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets?

Which term describes the connective tissue made of plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets?

• A. Plasma
• B. Blood
• C. Lymph
• D. Serum

Answer: (B)

Blood is the connective tissue that consists of a liquid matrix called plasma with the formed elements—erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets—suspended in it. This combination defines whole blood, which functions to transport gases and nutrients, defend against pathogens, and aid in clotting. Plasma alone is the fluid portion without the cellular components, while serum is plasma that remains after clotting because it lacks fibrinogen and other clotting factors. Lymph, by contrast, is a separate fluid of the lymphatic system, not part of the bloodstream.

Blood is the connective tissue that consists of a liquid matrix called plasma with the formed elements—erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets—suspended in it. This combination defines whole blood, which functions to transport gases and nutrients, defend against pathogens, and aid in clotting. Plasma alone is the fluid portion without the cellular components, while serum is plasma that remains after clotting because it lacks fibrinogen and other clotting factors. Lymph, by contrast, is a separate fluid of the lymphatic system, not part of the bloodstream.