platelets

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in hemostasis—the process of stopping bleeding. They are produced from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream for 7–10 days. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site of damage (adhesion), become activated (changing shape and releasing chemical signals), and aggregate to form a platelet plug. This primary hemostatic response is reinforced by fibrin through activation of the coagulation cascade (secondary hemostasis). Platelet transfusions are used therapeutically or prophylactically to treat or prevent bleeding due to low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or dysfunctional platelets. In addition to their role in clotting, platelets contain cytokines and growth factors that promote wound healing and tissue regeneration[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

thrombocytes