Answer :
Final answer:
Serum is the blood plasma minus the coagulation factors such as fibrinogen. It contains key components like electrolytes, antibodies, and other substances critical to bodily functions. Therefore, the correct answer is option 4) plasma minus fibrinogen.
Explanation:
Serum is plasma minus the coagulation factors. Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood that holds the blood cells in suspension. When we remove the clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, from the plasma, what remains is known as serum. Serum is crucial in medical tests as it contains a variety of substances like electrolytes, antibodies, proteins, lipids, nutrients, hormones, and metabolic waste. It's particularly important for functions such as maintaining pH balance, osmotic equilibrium, and defending against pathogens.
