“The Vital Function of Platelets in the Human Body Explained”

The function of platelets in the body is not arbitrary. With the function of platelets in the body, humans can survive. Platelets are even a very important part of the body’s anatomy.

In the human body there are blood cells. There are two types of blood cells, namely red blood cells and white blood cells.

The functions of the blood also vary and are very important. One of the components in human blood is platelets.

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The existence of these platelets has become a very important thing. Humans need to have a normal number of platelets in their body.

Functions of Platelets in the Human Body

The body needs blood to be able to carry out all its activities. In fact, a lack or excess of blood also greatly affects the body.

You may have often heard the term platelets. This term is often heard when doing body health checks.

Actually, platelets are part of the blood component. The human body requires a certain amount of platelets to maximize body function.

What are Thrombocytes?

Of course you need to understand what platelets are. In fact, platelets are the smallest cells in the blood.

Like red blood cells, platelets also do not have a nucleus. In addition, platelets also cannot carry out cell division or mitosis.

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However, platelets have a very complex metabolism and internal structure, even more so than red blood cells.

These blood components stick together with each other. However, platelets cannot attach to red blood cells and white blood cells.

To maintain the function of platelets in the body, this blood component has small granules that contain important substances in blood clotting activity.

Function and Process of Formation of Platelets inside the body

You now know what platelets are. Platelets actually have a very important role in the formation of blood in the body.

Under normal circumstances, platelets will circulate throughout the body through the bloodstream. If there is damage to a blood vessel, platelets will go to that area.

The platelets will then adhere to the damaged surface. Then, the platelets will release substances that make clots. Eventually the blood vessels will be clogged again.

In other words, platelets are helpful in blood clotting by clumping or adhesions. Once collected, another clump will form which will clog, namely aggregation.

The next blood clotting process is coagulation which prevents the body from losing too much blood from injuries that occur.

In addition, the function of platelets in the body is also to fight viruses that infect. A journal on hematology and inflammation mentions that platelets are known as inflammatory cells that help the immune system.

Platelets are blood components that are related to defense, but not against chemicals or foreign bodies.

This one cell functions to maintain tissue advantage in the event of injury. As previously explained, platelets will cover the wound so that the body can be protected from chemical substances or foreign objects that enter.

Disorders of Thrombocytes

Although the function of platelets in the body is very important, these blood components can also be disrupted.

If the number of platelets in the blood is above or below normal limits, it can be an indication of a health disorder in the body.

When the level is below normal, this condition is called thrombocytopenia which causes bruising and excessive bleeding.

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Meanwhile, if the platelets are below normal, the condition is called thrombocytosis which can trigger abnormal blood clots.

There are several conditions that have the potential to change the platelet count, namely:

• Excessive alcohol use disorder.
• Infections from viruses or bacteria, such as hepatitis C and HIV.
• Suffering from autoimmunity.
• Diseases of the spinal cord (anemia).
• Suffering from cancer.
• There is swelling in the spleen area.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Side effects of using drugs.
• Kidney infection or dysfunction.

You can check the normal level of platelets in the body through a complete blood count, platelet count, and bone marrow biopsy.

Because the function of platelets in the body is vital, you need to maintain their levels in the body by adopting a healthy lifestyle every day. (R10/HR-Online)