animal tissue: blood

Question

Which formed element of blood is primarily responsible for initiating coagulation via surface phospholipids?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Blood Components**: Plasma and formed elements (RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets).
2. **Platelets (Thrombocytes)**: Tiny cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.
3. **Hemostasis**: When a blood vessel is injured, platelets aggregate to form a plug.
4. **Coagulation**: Platelets release several factors and provide complex **phospholipid surfaces** that serve as a platform for the activation of clotting factors (like prothrombin being converted to thrombin).
5. **Significance**: They are essential for blood clotting; a reduction in their count leads to clotting disorders.

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animal tissue: blood

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