Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Platelets are essential for which bodily function?

1. Regulating temperature

2. Clotting blood

3. Carrying oxygen

4. Producing hormones

The correct answer is: Clotting blood

Platelets play a crucial role in the body's ability to clot blood, which is vital for preventing excessive bleeding when injuries occur. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets quickly adhere to the site of injury and activate each other to form a temporary "platelet plug." This plug, along with a series of biochemical processes involving clotting factors, establishes a more stable blood clot that helps seal the wound and initiate the healing process. The function of platelets is an essential part of hemostasis, the process that prevents and stops bleeding, ensuring that the body maintains proper functioning after injury. Understanding this key role highlights the importance of platelets in both minor abrasions and major injuries, where their action is fundamental to survival.