Platelets are also known as

✅ Correct Answer: C — Thrombocytes

Platelets, scientifically called Thrombocytes, are tiny, disc-shaped cell fragments (not complete cells) found in blood. They are formed from large cells called megakaryocytes in the red bone marrow. Thrombocytes play a crucial role in hemostasis (stopping bleeding) — when a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site, become "sticky," and clump together to form a temporary platelet plug. They also release chemical signals that trigger the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of a fibrin clot. Normal platelet count in blood is 1.5 to 4.0 lakh (150,000–400,000) per microliter of blood. Platelets do NOT have a nucleus.

❌ Why other options are wrong:

• A. Erythrocytes — Erythrocytes is the scientific name for Red Blood Cells (RBCs), not platelets. RBCs carry oxygen using haemoglobin. They are the most numerous blood cells (4.5–5.5 million per microliter).

• B. Leucocytes — Leucocytes is the scientific name for White Blood Cells (WBCs), not platelets. WBCs are the immune cells that fight infections and pathogens.

• D. Monocytes — Monocytes are a specific type of white blood cell (leucocyte) that differentiate into macrophages to engulf pathogens and foreign particles. They are NOT platelets.

📝 Important Note: Blood cell names — RBC = Erythrocytes; WBC = Leucocytes; Platelets = Thrombocytes. Low platelet count (below 1.5 lakh) = Thrombocytopenia (seen in dengue fever). High platelet count = Thrombocytosis. Platelets have a lifespan of only 8–10 days. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Important topic for SSC CGL General Science.