
What Are Platelets? Function & Anatomy - Cleveland Clinic
Platelets are cell fragments and the smallest component of your blood. Their primary job is to stop the bleeding if you’re injured. If a blood vessel is damaged, platelets cluster together to form a plug first and then a clot to stop the blood loss. Common conditions involving platelets include thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis.
What Are Platelets and Why Are They Important? - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels.
Platelet count blood test: Normal, low, and high values
Sep 27, 2023 · A platelet count measures the average platelet level in a person’s blood. High or low platelet levels can increase the risk of clotting or excessive bleeding.
Platelet - Wikipedia
Platelets or thrombocytes (from Ancient Greek θρόμβος (thrómbos) ' clot ' and κύτος (kútos) ' cell ') are a part of blood whose function (along with the coagulation factors) is to react to bleeding from blood vessel injury by clumping to form a blood clot. [1]
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) - Symptoms and causes
Apr 19, 2022 · Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that help blood clot. Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications.
High Platelet Count Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health
Mar 19, 2025 · What Is a High Count? A high platelet count, or thrombocytosis, is diagnosed when platelet levels are greater than 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A high platelet count can lead to symptoms that range from comparatively mild bruising or nosebleeds to a life-threatening stroke or even cancer.
Platelet Count (PLT): Normal Range, Test Results & Meaning
Oct 21, 2024 · Platelets help your blood clot. Too few platelets can be a sign of cancer, infections or other health problems. Too many platelets may put you at risk for blood clots or stroke. Your risk depends on how low or high your counts are and what’s causing the issue. What is a …
The Function of Blood Platelets or Thrombocytes - Verywell Health
Sep 9, 2024 · Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are special blood cells with an important function. Platelets control blood clotting, which means they are critical for healing wounds and stopping bleeding. A normal platelet count is 150,000–450,000 platelets per microliter. A low platelet count can put you at risk for uncontrolled bleeding.
Platelets: What to Know - WebMD
Nov 17, 2024 · Platelets are special blood cells tasked with preventing too much blood loss. These small and colorless structures are also known as thrombocytes and resemble cell fragments. Your body has...
Platelet (Thrombocyte): Function, Composition & Production
Platelets are tiny cellular fragments that play a crucial role in the process of blood clotting, known as hemostasis. They are produced in the bone marrow from larger cells called megakaryocytes. When a vessel wall is breached, platelets are the first responders.