Thrombocytes

Platelet: what is it and what is its role in the body

Platelets are small cells that play an important role in the blood clotting process. They get their name from the Latin word thrombus, meaning blood clot, and the Greek word kytos, meaning cell. Platelets are one of the three main types of blood cells, along with erythrocytes (red blood cells) and leukocytes (white blood cells).

Platelets have a disc-like shape and a diameter of about 2-4 microns. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood for about 7-10 days. The main function of platelets is to stop bleeding when the walls of blood vessels are damaged. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets quickly gather around the damaged area and begin to form a thrombus, a blood clot that stops bleeding.

In order for platelets to perform their function, their number in the blood must be sufficient. Not enough platelets (thrombocytopenia) can lead to blood clotting problems and increased bleeding. On the other hand, excess platelets (thrombocytosis) can lead to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, which can lead to serious illnesses such as heart attack or stroke.

In addition to their main function, platelets also play an important role in the body's immune system. They secrete a number of biologically active substances, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulate the growth and remodeling of blood vessels and are also involved in the regulation of the immune response.

In conclusion, platelets are important blood cells that help blood clot and protect the body from infections. Disturbances in their functioning can lead to serious diseases, so it is important to monitor their amount in the blood and carry out timely diagnosis and treatment if necessary.