AEMCA Practice Exam

Where are plasma proteins produced?

1. Heart

2. Spleen

3. Liver

4. Lungs

The correct answer is: Liver

Plasma proteins are primarily produced in the liver, making it a crucial organ for maintaining the body's protein balance. The liver synthesizes various essential plasma proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. These proteins play vital roles in maintaining oncotic pressure, transporting substances throughout the body, and participating in blood clotting processes. The liver's extensive network of cells, particularly hepatocytes, is responsible for this production, ensuring that an adequate supply of plasma proteins is available in the bloodstream. This is critical for functions such as immune response, blood clotting, and maintaining blood volume and pressure. Other organs, such as the spleen, do participate in certain blood functions but do not produce plasma proteins in significant amounts like the liver. The heart and lungs have entirely different physiological roles unrelated to the synthesis of plasma proteins.