2.8.7 Human Transport Systems: Platelets

Question 1

Platelets are involved in helping, what?

Answer 1

the blood clot

Question 2

What are platelets

Answer 2

Platelets are fragments of cells that are involved in blood clotting and forming scabs where the skin has been cut or punctured

Question 3

When the skin is broken, what do platelets do?

Answer 3

platelets arrive to stop the bleeding

• A series of reactions occur within the blood plasma

Question 4

Platelets release chemicals that cause, what?

Answer 4

soluble fibrinogen proteins to convert into insoluble fibrin and form an insoluble mesh across the wound, trapping red blood cells and therefore forming a clot

Question 5

The clot eventually dries and develops into, what?

Answer 5

into a scab to protect the wound from bacteria entering

Question 6

What do blood clots prevent

Answer 6

Blood clotting prevents continued / significant blood loss from wounds

Question 7

What are scabs for?

Answer 7

Scab formation seals the wound with an insoluble patch that prevents entry of microorganisms that could cause infection

It remains in place until new skin has grown underneath it, sealing the skin again