Platelets
Platelets are also known as thromobocytes . They are colourless cell fragments that lack nuclei and have been derived from their precursors - megakaryocytes in the bone marrow[1]. Approximately 1x1011 platelets are produced daily.1 They are involved in the prevention of blood loss from the body through haemostasis mechanisms of blood vessel constriction, platelet plug formation and blood coagulation.Platelets have a life span of about 10 days and remain inactive in the blood unless activated when there is a rupture in blood vessels.
References: 1 J Thromb Haemost. 2009 Jul;7 Suppl 1:227-34.
- ↑ Silverton D.(2010) Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition,San Francisco; Pearson Education, Inc.