GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Platelets

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Organisation Animal Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems

Platelets

1:04 Blood
Spec 4.2.2.3
Previous White Blood Cells Next Blood Cell Microscopy
  • Blood contains tiny fragments called platelets.
  • Platelets are shown in a representation of their appearance in a cubic centimeter of blood.
  • There are approximately 350 million platelets in a cubic centimeter of blood.
  • Platelets are not true cells but are fragments of cells.
  • The function of platelets is to form scabs.
  • When injured, platelets act like a natural plaster, fusing together to form a scab over a cut.
  • A well-formed scab protects the scrape from further injury and infection.
  • Platelets initiate the blood clotting process.
  • They help form a sticky mesh that traps red blood cells and creates a blood clot.
  • This blood clot eventually hardens into a scab.
  • Understanding the detailed mechanism of blood clotting is not necessary, but it's important to know that platelets are responsible for it.

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