What is the clear, yellowish liquid part of the blood that carries blood cells called?

The clear, yellowish liquid part of the blood that carries blood cells is called plasma. Plasma makes up about 55% of total blood volume and serves several critical functions within the circulatory system. It is primarily composed of water, but it also contains proteins, electrolytes, hormones, nutrients, and waste products. The presence of proteins such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen within plasma is essential for maintaining osmotic balance, transporting substances, and facilitating blood clotting processes. By suspending blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), plasma plays a vital role in ensuring their efficient movement throughout the body.

The other choices refer to different components or contexts related to blood. Serum is the liquid that remains after coagulation when clotting factors have been removed; whole blood includes both plasma and blood cells; lymph is a fluid that is part of the lymphatic system and plays a role in immune responses and fluid balance.