Platelets

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Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, 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[2].  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. Silverton D. (2010)Human Physiology;An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition, San Francisco; Pearson Education, Inc.
  2. J Thromb Haemost. 2009 Jul;7 Suppl 1:227-34.