Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What are the blood cells that assist in the clotting process called?

1. Red blood cells

2. White blood cells

3. Platelets

4. Plasma cells

The correct answer is: Platelets

The blood cells that assist in the clotting process are known as platelets. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are tiny, disc-shaped cell fragments that play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process that prevents and stops bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly migrate to the site of injury, where they adhere to the exposed tissue and each other, forming a temporary "platelet plug." They release chemical signals that attract even more platelets to the area and activate a series of biochemical processes that ultimately lead to the formation of a fibrin mesh, stabilizing the clot. Red blood cells, in contrast, are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body, while white blood cells are involved in the immune response, defending the body against infections. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies, playing a role in the immune response, rather than a direct role in the clotting process. Therefore, the unique function of platelets in initiating and facilitating clot formation makes them the correct answer to the question.