Which property of platelets aids in forming a clot by sticking to damaged vessels?

Which property of platelets aids in forming a clot by sticking to damaged vessels?

• A. Hemolysis
• B. Adhesion
• C. Osmosis
• D. Phagocytosis

Answer: (B)

The property being tested is the adhesion of platelets to damaged vessels. When a blood vessel is injured, the underlying subendothelial matrix becomes exposed, and platelets must stick to that area to begin forming a plug. Platelets have surface receptors that recognize exposed collagen and bind with help from von Willebrand factor, effectively anchoring the platelets at the injury site. This adhesion is the first crucial step in hemostasis, allowing platelets to spread, release signaling molecules, and recruit additional platelets to reinforce the forming clot. Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane, and phagocytosis is the engulfment of particles by immune cells. None of these describe the sticking of platelets to a damaged vessel to start clot formation.

The property being tested is the adhesion of platelets to damaged vessels. When a blood vessel is injured, the underlying subendothelial matrix becomes exposed, and platelets must stick to that area to begin forming a plug. Platelets have surface receptors that recognize exposed collagen and bind with help from von Willebrand factor, effectively anchoring the platelets at the injury site. This adhesion is the first crucial step in hemostasis, allowing platelets to spread, release signaling molecules, and recruit additional platelets to reinforce the forming clot.

Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane, and phagocytosis is the engulfment of particles by immune cells. None of these describe the sticking of platelets to a damaged vessel to start clot formation.