Platelets - False Cells

Blood is a vital fluid that constantly circulates throughout our body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body, and removing waste and toxins. However, when a blood vessel is damaged, blood clotting becomes a necessary process that helps prevent blood loss. Platelets play a major role in this process.

Platelets, or blood platelets, are not real cells, but fragments of cytoplasm that are formed as a result of fragmentation of megakaryocytes - large bone marrow cells. They range in size from 2 to 5 microns and contain various proteins that help them perform their functions in the blood clotting process.

When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets begin to actively attach to the walls of the vessel and to each other, forming a platelet clot that seals the damage. At this time, they secrete platelet factor III, which interacts with fibrinogen, a protein found in the blood, and converts it into fibrin. Fibrin forms a network that holds platelets and other blood elements to form a clot.

In addition, platelets release serotonin, a biologically active substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and reducing blood loss. They can also release other bioactive substances, such as platelet-derived growth factor, which help tissue repair.

Despite the importance of platelets in the blood clotting process, they can also cause dangerous diseases such as thrombosis and embolism. Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, which can block blood flow and cause tissue damage. An embolism is the release of a blood clot from a vessel wall, which can then enter another blood vessel and cause a blockage of blood flow.

In conclusion, platelets are not true cells but fragments of cytoplasm that play an important role in the process of blood clotting and preventing blood loss. However, their excess can lead to dangerous diseases, so it is important to monitor your health and take measures to prevent thrombosis and other related problems.