How and where are platelets produced in the body and what is their role during homeostasis?
Platelets are also known as thrombocytes and result from disintegration of certain large cells in the red bone marrow (1). There are three processes involved in homeostasis: • Constriction of blood vessels. • Activity of platelets and; • Activity of blood clotting factors. Platelets are stimulated when a blood vessel wall breaks from injury. They are originally round but change to a spiny shape and are able attach themselves to each other and to the vessel wall that is broken, acting as a plug. In addition, they work together with other blood proteins to form fibrin. A net is formed by the fibrin strands that traps platelets and blood cells, forming a clot that blocks the break. The clotting formed is therefore balanced by the clotting that is stopped when the vessel is healed (1). What are the potential consequences of a low platelet count? Skin bleeding might be the initial indication of a low platelet count. Petechiae or tiny red dots frequently become visible in the skin on the low
