Electrolysis Practice Exam

What are the bodies that aid in the clotting of blood called?

1. Red blood cells

2. White blood cells

3. Blood platelets

4. Plasma proteins

The correct answer is: Blood platelets

The correct choice pertains to blood platelets, which play a vital role in the clotting process. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that circulate in the bloodstream and are crucial for initiating the coagulation process when a blood vessel is injured. Upon encountering damage, platelets quickly aggregate at the site, forming a temporary "platelet plug" that helps to stem bleeding. They also release chemical signals that further attract other platelets and activate the clotting cascade, which ultimately leads to the formation of a stable blood clot. The other options are not involved in the primary function of blood clotting in the same direct manner. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, while white blood cells play a significant role in the immune response against infections. Plasma proteins, while participating in various processes including clotting, do not act as the main cellular agents in creating the initial response to vascular injury like platelets do.