Which component is the cell fragment that promotes clotting?

Which component is the cell fragment that promotes clotting?

• A. Platelets
• B. Erythrocytes
• C. Leukocytes
• D. Hemoglobin

Answer: (A)

Platelets are the component that promotes clotting. They are small fragments shed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, not full cells. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly adhere to exposed damaged tissue, become activated, and aggregate to form a temporary platelet plug. They also release granule contents that kick off the coagulation cascade, leading to a fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot. This is why platelets are central to hemostasis. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that transport oxygen, leukocytes are white blood cells involved in immune defense, and hemoglobin is the oxygen-binding protein inside red blood cells.

Platelets are the component that promotes clotting. They are small fragments shed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, not full cells. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly adhere to exposed damaged tissue, become activated, and aggregate to form a temporary platelet plug. They also release granule contents that kick off the coagulation cascade, leading to a fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot. This is why platelets are central to hemostasis. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that transport oxygen, leukocytes are white blood cells involved in immune defense, and hemoglobin is the oxygen-binding protein inside red blood cells.