What is the primary function of blood platelets (thrombocytes) in the human circulatory system?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. initiating the physiological cascade of blood clotting at sites of vascular injury
- Step 1: Platelets are cellular fragments derived from megakaryocytes in red bone marrow. Step 2. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets adhere to exposed collagen, form a platelet plug, and release clotting factors to initiate coagulation. Answer: initiating the physiological cascade of blood clotting at sites of vascular injury. Why not the others: Erythrocytes carry oxygen; lymphocytes make antibodies; endothelial cells release nitric oxide.
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