Question

Blood platelets are also called as
a. Leucocytes
b. Erythrocytes
c. Thrombocytes
d. None of these

Answer 1

Platelets are circulating fragments, containing proteins on their surface that stick to each other. To prevent bleeding and also to initiate blood clots are the main important function of blood platelets. As the name implies, plates are shaped like a plate.

Complete answer:
Blood platelets are also called Thrombocytes. The thrombocytes are one of the blood cells and a component of blood vessels. The main important function of thrombocytes is to prevent the blood vessel from injury by initiating the process of the blood clot.

Thrombocytopenia is a condition that arises due to a lower concentration of blood platelets. Major reasons for the cause of low platelet count include damage of bone marrow (due to certain cancers and their treatments), severe bleeding during injury or surgery, certain infections, medications, autoimmune diseases, etc..,

Hence, The correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
Platelets are derived from the bone marrows called megakaryocytes. They are 2-3 micrometers in diameter. Since platelets are so small, their count varies from 1,50,000 to 3,50,000 per microlitre of blood.

Excessive bleeding from a small cut, blood during urine or stool is the main symptoms of low platelets. Whereas thrombocytosis is a condition that arises due to elevated platelet concentration, which occurs either reactive or congenital. Platelet dysfunction leads to thrombocytopathy.

Note: A blood cell is also called a hematopoietic cell, hemocyte, or hemocyte produced in the bone marrow. Major types of blood cells include Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets (thrombocytes).

Some important functions of blood platelets include controlling bleeding by initiating blood clot, chronic diseases as well as traumatic injuries, essential during surgeries like an organ transplant, fighting against cancer, etc..