Which of the following is NOT a function of platelets?

Which of the following is NOT a function of platelets?

• A. Reducing blood loss
• B. Forming blood clots
• C. Carrying oxygen
• D. Participating in coagulation

Answer: (C)

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in hemostasis, which is the process of preventing and stopping bleeding. Their primary functions include reducing blood loss by forming clots at the site of an injury and participating in the complex process of coagulation. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets adhere to the site, become activated, and recruit more platelets to form a stable clot, which is essential in stopping bleeding. In contrast, carrying oxygen is not a function of platelets. This task is performed by red blood cells (erythrocytes), which contain hemoglobin—a protein that binds oxygen molecules for transport throughout the body. Therefore, the correct answer identifies that the function of carrying oxygen does not pertain to platelets.

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in hemostasis, which is the process of preventing and stopping bleeding. Their primary functions include reducing blood loss by forming clots at the site of an injury and participating in the complex process of coagulation. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets adhere to the site, become activated, and recruit more platelets to form a stable clot, which is essential in stopping bleeding.

In contrast, carrying oxygen is not a function of platelets. This task is performed by red blood cells (erythrocytes), which contain hemoglobin—a protein that binds oxygen molecules for transport throughout the body. Therefore, the correct answer identifies that the function of carrying oxygen does not pertain to platelets.