Platelets
- When the skin is cut, microorganisms have an entry point to get into the body
- The first line of defence is compromised
- In order to minimise the risk of substantial blood loss and entry of unwanted microorganisms, the blood starts to clot to seal the wound
- In response to blood vessel damage, platelets form a temporary plug to stem bleeding
- Platelets are cellular fragments that make up one component of the blood
- They release chemicals called clotting factors that trigger a chemical cascade which results in blood clotting
The blood is made up of 4 key components including plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets