Definition: (noun) - Very small fragments of cells about one-tenth the size of a red blood cell.
Their main function is to form a clot to prevent prolonged bleeding. They are formed in the bone marrow and can sometimes be reduced in number as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Pronunciation: plAt-lets
Also Known As: thrombocytes, abbreviation: Plts
Common Misspellings: platletts, platelets, plateletts
Examples:
When a blood vessel is broken, platelets group up at the injury site and stick together, sealing the leak and preventing bleeding. Platelets are produced in your bone marrow. Platelets will be listed as "Plts" on your complete blood count (CBC) report.
