Platelets have two major functions of coagulation and hemostasis, which are mainly manifested in the following three aspects, including vasoconstriction, formation of hemostatic thrombus and release of antifibrinolytic factor:
1. Shrinking blood vessels, helping to temporarily stop bleeding: platelets will release vasoconstrictor substances to make blood vessels shrink when blood vessels rupture, thus playing the role of coagulation.
2. Formation of hemostatic thrombus and blockage of ruptured blood vessels: platelets are more likely to adhere to and deposit on damaged blood vessels, thus aggregating into clusters and forming hemostatic thrombi. The formed thrombus can be directly blocked in the blood vessel rupture, but also can play a role in maintaining the integrity of the blood vessel wall.
3. Release of antifibrinolytic factors and inhibition of the activity of the fibrinolytic system: fibrin in the plasma will be degraded under the action of the fibrinolytic system. Platelets contain antifibrinolytic factors, which can inhibit the activity of the fibrinolytic system, so that the formation of blood clots will not disintegrate.
Consult a hematologist for more information.