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

Explain the Water balance function of the kidney, Explain the Water balance...

Explain the Water balance function of the kidney Water is one of the most important constituent in the daily diet. You are already aware of the roles it plays in our body. Main

Matter and Energy, Using what you know about the energy—matter relationship...

Using what you know about the energy—matter relationship, explain why the ecosystems with the greater amount of overall energy tend to have a greater number of organisms.

Observing sun spots, Observing sun spots Use the telescope that you mad...

Observing sun spots Use the telescope that you made in a last experiment. Set it up so that it points directly at the sun and focus it so that a clear and bright image of the s

Botany, Hey, I have to ask an expert questions for an assignment and I was ...

Hey, I have to ask an expert questions for an assignment and I was wondering since you have a degree in botany how would a multi vitamin affect a plant?

Other visible light hazards-lasers, Other visible light hazards : Ordinary...

Other visible light hazards : Ordinary, visible light can present a hazard under certain conditions. You can burn paper by focussing the sun's rays using a small magnifying lens.

Neurological system, There are many different venomous animals in the world...

There are many different venomous animals in the world.The venom produced by one animal can be very different that the venom produced by another animal. There are some animal venom

Pollution due to radiations, Pollution due to Radiations: Hazards of ...

Pollution due to Radiations: Hazards of nuclear radiations are extremely serious, because they upset the genetic make up of  the living beings. Environmental  pollution from

Explain the chemical weathering processes, Explain the Chemical Weathering ...

Explain the Chemical Weathering Processes  The chemical process of decomposition starts with the physical disintegration of rocks and minerals. In chemical weathering processes

Communication revolution, Communication Revolution: It is in this bac...

Communication Revolution: It is in this background, that communication revolution is being ushered in ou:  country. In the recent years, the rural people who have access to T

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