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

Fossil fuels, all of these are examples of fossil fuel EXCEPT:coal,petroleu...

all of these are examples of fossil fuel EXCEPT:coal,petroleum,corn oil or natural gas?

Temperature in the body and homeostatis, discuss homeostatis. I have choose...

discuss homeostatis. I have choosen the bodies temperature and I need to discuss it and what effects it has on the body

Define white blood cells (wbcs), Define White Blood cells (WBCs) WBCs a...

Define White Blood cells (WBCs) WBCs are also called leukocytes, as they are colourless. They are the army of the human body. Whenever a germ or infection enters our body, the

What are the cultural practices, What are the Cultural Practices    Con...

What are the Cultural Practices    Continuous cultivation of a single crop (monoculture) over years at the same site cause s accumulation of a particular group of microbes whic

Uses vitamin e, Vitamin E  (Tocopherols) Vitamin E is an essential fat-...

Vitamin E  (Tocopherols) Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that functions, at  least in part, as a lipid- soluble antioxidant. Presence of vitamin E was first revea

Segnificant figure, give the importants segnificant figure in measure quant...

give the importants segnificant figure in measure quantities

A&P, Most of the plasma is composed of?

Most of the plasma is composed of?

Sociology considered as a scientific discipline, Question: "Sociology Consi...

Question: "Sociology Considered as a Scientific Discipline" Discuss the this statement with the relevant Examples Answer Sociology is the systematic study of Society. Soci

Earth science, similarity between granite and rhyolite

similarity between granite and rhyolite

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