Those who had to donate blood at least once in their life probably paid attention to the fact that along with other indicators, the results of the analysis almost always contain such terms as leukocytes, platelets, red blood cells, etc., indicating the level of concentration of these cells in one microliter of shelter. Everyone did not have a five in human anatomy at school, but everyone needs to understand what test results mean. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to fill the knowledge gaps and finally find out for yourself what platelets are, what their role is in our body, and what their amount in the blood depends on.
Unfamiliar "blood platelets"First, let's remember what constitutes blood. This vital fluid contains about 40-45% of the formed cellular elements and 60-65% of the plasma in which salts, vitamins and proteins are dissolved. A smaller part is white (white blood cells) and red cells (red blood cells). In addition to them, there are also platelets. In truth, the latter cannot be called real cells, since they do not have a nucleus. When in 1842, in France, Alexander Donne discovered them in the blood, he decided to call them blood plates. At that time, physicians did not really know what platelets were. They assumed that these smallest particles serve as material for the formation of red blood cells and, unfortunately, did not attach due importance to them. By the way, in English literature the term “blood platelets” has remained, but in Russian the word “platelets” has taken root. The latter name was formed from the Greek trombos (clot) and kytos (cell).
What are platelets and what is their role
These particles most often have an oval or round shape. Sometimes they look like small stars. Their diameter varies between 1.5-10 microns (1 micron corresponds to 10 -6 meters). Because of such a small size, it is absolutely impossible to see what platelets are without a microscope. If we compare their value with the thickness of a human hair, then it will be ten times less. “Blood plates” are formed from giant cells in the bone marrow. From this "factory" they enter the bloodstream, where they change size and live from 8 to 11 days. "Aged" platelets go to the liver, spleen and lungs, where they turn into "raw materials" for the construction of other tissues. The main function of these particles is to prevent large blood loss in case of injury. For this, platelets serve along the walls of blood vessels and, with the slightest damage to the integrity of tissues, immediately rush to save the body. Sticking together, they form a blood clot, which, like a patch, “seals” a torn vessel wall, thereby preventing blood from flowing out.
Platelet count: what should it be?
On average, most people have about 200 units. in 1 μl, while the normal value lies in the range from 150 to 300 units. Platelet count due to surgery or inflammatory diseases (e.g. rubella, hepatitis, SARS) may increase. In turn, a lack of "blood platelets" may indicate the presence of leukemia, age-related changes, diabetes mellitus, anemia or allergies. In order for the platelet level to be always normal, you should often be in the fresh air, lead a healthy lifestyle, focus on traditional medicine. Take care of yourself and enjoy life - as it is!