Which components are primarily found in peripheral blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are the primary components found in peripheral blood. This combination encompasses essential elements of the blood responsible for various critical functions. Red blood cells are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs. White blood cells play a vital role in the immune response, protecting the body against infections and foreign invaders. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding when injuries occur.

Other options, while containing some components that may be present in blood or related fluids, do not fully capture the range of components that constitute peripheral blood as effectively as the choice indicating the three core elements. For instance, while plasma does contain proteins and electrolytes, these components pertain more to the liquid matrix of blood and do not include the cellular elements crucial to its primary functions.