What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?

What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Initiate the clotting process
• C. Fight infections
• D. Remove waste products

Answer: (B)

The primary function of platelets, also known as thrombocytes, is to initiate the clotting process. When there is damage to a blood vessel, platelets quickly adhere to the site of injury and become activated. This activation leads to a series of events that culminate in the formation of a stable blood clot, effectively preventing excessive blood loss. Platelets release various substances that facilitate their aggregation and the attraction of other platelets to the injury site, as well as promoting the cascade of the clotting factors that form fibrin strands. This coordinated response is essential for wound healing and maintaining hemostasis. The other functions listed in the choices are roles of different components of the blood. For instance, red blood cells primarily transport oxygen to the body’s tissues, while white blood cells are responsible for fighting infections as part of the immune response. Additionally, the removal of waste products is mainly a function of the blood's plasma and the kidneys. Thus, the correct option focuses specifically on the essential role platelets play in hemostatic processes.

The primary function of platelets, also known as thrombocytes, is to initiate the clotting process. When there is damage to a blood vessel, platelets quickly adhere to the site of injury and become activated. This activation leads to a series of events that culminate in the formation of a stable blood clot, effectively preventing excessive blood loss. Platelets release various substances that facilitate their aggregation and the attraction of other platelets to the injury site, as well as promoting the cascade of the clotting factors that form fibrin strands. This coordinated response is essential for wound healing and maintaining hemostasis.

The other functions listed in the choices are roles of different components of the blood. For instance, red blood cells primarily transport oxygen to the body’s tissues, while white blood cells are responsible for fighting infections as part of the immune response. Additionally, the removal of waste products is mainly a function of the blood's plasma and the kidneys. Thus, the correct option focuses specifically on the essential role platelets play in hemostatic processes.