Which cells are responsible for the formation of a platelet plug during hemostasis?

Which cells are responsible for the formation of a platelet plug during hemostasis?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. White blood cells
• C. Platelets
• D. Reticulocytes

Answer: (C)

The formation of a platelet plug during hemostasis is primarily the responsibility of platelets. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly adhere to the exposed tissue and each other, forming a temporary seal that helps prevent further bleeding. This process is initiated by the activation of platelets upon exposure to collagen and other subendothelial structures at the injury site. Once activated, platelets change shape, release chemical signals that attract more platelets to the site, and facilitate the aggregation of additional platelets, forming a robust platelet plug. Red blood cells do not have a role in hemostasis; instead, their main function is to transport oxygen throughout the body. Similarly, white blood cells are primarily involved in the immune response and do not contribute to the formation of a platelet plug. Reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells, are also not involved in hemostasis and are instead focused on the production of red blood cells in response to oxygen demand. Thus, it is the platelets that play the crucial role in the formation of a platelet plug during the hemostatic process.

The formation of a platelet plug during hemostasis is primarily the responsibility of platelets. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly adhere to the exposed tissue and each other, forming a temporary seal that helps prevent further bleeding. This process is initiated by the activation of platelets upon exposure to collagen and other subendothelial structures at the injury site. Once activated, platelets change shape, release chemical signals that attract more platelets to the site, and facilitate the aggregation of additional platelets, forming a robust platelet plug.

Red blood cells do not have a role in hemostasis; instead, their main function is to transport oxygen throughout the body. Similarly, white blood cells are primarily involved in the immune response and do not contribute to the formation of a platelet plug. Reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells, are also not involved in hemostasis and are instead focused on the production of red blood cells in response to oxygen demand. Thus, it is the platelets that play the crucial role in the formation of a platelet plug during the hemostatic process.