How platelets help in the clotting of blood.
How platelets help in the clotting of blood.
Platelets are part of the body that most people never think about and take for granted in daily life. However, these very small blood cells are essential for preventing excess blood loss and repairing bodily damage.
When blood vessels become damaged, the brain sends signals to the platelets to go to the damage site and form a clot. Excessive blood loss can be very traumatic and even life-threatening for the body, which is why it is so important to maintain healthy and properly functioning platelets.
The purpose of this article is to define what platelets are and discuss what is the role of platelets in blood clotting and other bodily functions.
Once a blood vessel is damaged, platelets arrive to the damaged area to adhere to the cut edges. The body releases natural chemicals to attract more platelets to the affected area as necessary. Once platelets arrive where they are needed, a plug is formed to stop the bleeding. Clotting factors in the form of small molecules cause blood-borne materials to adhere together and seal the wound. Once the blood vessel heals back to its original shape, the blood clot dissolves and platelets return to their resting form.
In addition to forming blood clots, platelets carry out multiple functions to maintain hemostasis. Not only do platelets form hemostatic plugs, but they also release lipoprotein material and activate coagulation mechanisms. The secretory functions of platelets are very important, and during periods of activation, they release adhesive proteins, growth factors, and coagulations. Overall, platelets are essential for controlling bodily inflammation, tissue rebuilding, and wound healing.
Individuals who experience prolonged bleeding after cuts, and frequent nosebleeds are advised to consult a doctor and inquire about getting a simple blood test. This will determine if one’s platelet count is normal or if a specific treatment plan is recommended to prevent excess blood loss and boost the number of platelets to a healthy level.
Platelets are part of the body that most people never think about and take for granted in daily life. However, these very small blood cells are essential for preventing excess blood loss and repairing bodily damage.
When blood vessels become damaged, the brain sends signals to the platelets to go to the damage site and form a clot. Excessive blood loss can be very traumatic and even life-threatening for the body, which is why it is so important to maintain healthy and properly functioning platelets.
The purpose of this article is to define what platelets are and discuss what is the role of platelets in blood clotting and other bodily functions.
Once a blood vessel is damaged, platelets arrive to the damaged area to adhere to the cut edges. The body releases natural chemicals to attract more platelets to the affected area as necessary. Once platelets arrive where they are needed, a plug is formed to stop the bleeding. Clotting factors in the form of small molecules cause blood-borne materials to adhere together and seal the wound. Once the blood vessel heals back to its original shape, the blood clot dissolves and platelets return to their resting form.
In addition to forming blood clots, platelets carry out multiple functions to maintain hemostasis. Not only do platelets form hemostatic plugs, but they also release lipoprotein material and activate coagulation mechanisms. The secretory functions of platelets are very important, and during periods of activation, they release adhesive proteins, growth factors, and coagulations. Overall, platelets are essential for controlling bodily inflammation, tissue rebuilding, and wound healing.
Individuals who experience prolonged bleeding after cuts, and frequent nosebleeds are advised to consult a doctor and inquire about getting a simple blood test. This will determine if one’s platelet count is normal or if a specific treatment plan is recommended to prevent excess blood loss and boost the number of platelets to a healthy level.
