Platelets

Definition

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that form clots to stop or prevent bleeding. They play a crucial role in the healing process by gathering at the site of an injury to form a temporary plug in blood vessel walls.

Related terms

Hemostasis:

The process by which bleeding is stopped via blood clotting and constriction of damaged blood vessels.

Coagulation:

A series of reactions in which blood is transformed from a liquid into a solid gel to stop bleeding.

Fibrinogen:

A soluble plasma glycoprotein that is converted by thrombin into fibrin during blood clot formation, providing structural support for the developing clot