Trombplaatjes

Trombplaatjes, also known as thrombocytes or platelets, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process by which the body stops bleeding. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream, where they are essential for blood clotting. Platelets are approximately 2-3 micrometers in diameter and lack a nucleus, making them anucleate cells. Their primary function is to adhere to exposed subendothelial tissue at the site of injury, forming a plug that temporarily stops blood flow. This initial plug is then reinforced by the coagulation cascade, which involves the activation of clotting factors and the formation of a fibrin meshwork. Platelets also release various substances, such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and serotonin, which help to recruit more platelets to the site of injury and enhance the stability of the clot. In addition to their role in hemostasis, platelets are involved in various physiological processes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Abnormalities in platelet function or number can lead to bleeding disorders, such as thrombocytopenia, or excessive bleeding, such as in hemophilia. Platelets are typically counted in the blood using automated hematology analyzers, and their normal range is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood.