what are platelets

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in forming clots to stop or prevent bleeding. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site of the injury and form a plug to stop the bleeding, a process called adhesion and aggregation. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood, and a low platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. Platelets are essential for surviving surgeries, fighting cancer, and recovering from traumatic injuries