Define the functions of platelets, Science

Assignment Help:

Define the functions of platelets

The main function of platelets, or thrombocytes, is to stop the loss of blood from wounds, i.e. haemostasis. Let us learn about this function. The platelets:

i) Release a chemical substance called serotonin, that cause vasoconstriction. This ensures reduced flow of blood from the injured site,

ii) Aggregate to plug the vascular plug at site of injury, and

iii) Have like skeletal muscles, actin and myosin proteins, which contract to bring about clot retraction. This ensures normal flow of blood around the sealed injured blood vessel.

The plug formed by the platelet arrests bleeding. The time taken for the blood to cease flowing from an injured site is termed as bleeding time. The platelet plug that is formed is friable and cannot be relied to check bleeding for very long. The blood forms a fibrin meshwork of threads that forms a better plug. This may take a few minutes before such a first aid mechanism acts in the body. The time taken for a clot to form is termed as clotting time. Before a patient is taken to the operation theatre, the doctor assesses the bleeding and clotting time to prevent excessive loss of blood during time of operation. The patient whose bleeding time is less than 4 minutes and clotting time is less than 12 minutes may be taken up for surgery after the other investigations are normal. So far, we have learnt about the constituents and functions of blood - the fluid connective tissue.


Related Discussions:- Define the functions of platelets

Astronomy, Describe the process of gas capture that helped to build the Jov...

Describe the process of gas capture that helped to build the Jovian planets?

Air pollution by particulates, Air pollution by Particulates: Particula...

Air pollution by Particulates: Particulates constitute the third category of air pollutants. These are mostly fine carbon particles (less  than 0.002 mm  in diameter)  formed b

Physico-chemical properties of vitamin e, Physico-chemical properties of vi...

Physico-chemical properties of vitamin E are as follows: a)  Tocopherols are yellow, oily liquids. b)  They are freely soluble in fat solvents. c)  The  compounds  are

Explain transverse colon and descending colon, Explain Transverse colon and...

Explain Transverse colon and Descending colon Transverse colon: This is a loop of colon which extends transversely across the abdominal cavity in front of the duodenum and th

Explain General Appearance of Urine, General appearance - General Examinati...

General appearance - General Examination of Urine Dilute urine is usually pale and straw-colored while the concentrated urine is dark and acid urine is darker. Blood may cause

Explain the chemical control of respiration, Explain the Chemical Control o...

Explain the Chemical Control of Respiration Let us now focus on the chemical control of respiration. But before that, let's get to know which chemicals are involved in this pro

Adaption;Humans, three adaptations that help humans have differential survi...

three adaptations that help humans have differential survivability, and three adaptations that help humans have differential fecundity.

Semiconductors, Semiconductors: By now you have studied more than half ...

Semiconductors: By now you have studied more than half of  this course. You may have been to the study centre a few times. You might have taken lessons on audio  cassette-recor

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd