Platelets are tiny blood cells that play a crucial role in stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to platelets, causing them to travel to the injured area. There, platelets adhere to the damaged vessel wall and to each other, forming a plug to stop the bleeding. This process is called hemostasis.
Platelets are essential for maintaining normal blood clotting. They are responsible for:
- Adhesion: Platelets stick to the damaged blood vessel wall, forming the initial plug.
- Aggregation: Platelets clump together, creating a stronger plug and sealing the wound.
- Secretion: Platelets release chemicals that further promote clotting and help repair the damaged vessel.
Platelet Function Disorders occur when platelets are unable to function properly. This can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries.
Platelet function testing can be performed to assess platelet function. These tests measure the ability of platelets to aggregate and form clots in response to different stimuli.
