How do platelets contribute to the clotting process?
Platelets are small, anucleate cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Upon vascular injury, platelets adhere to the exposed subendothelial matrix via interactions with vWF and collagen. This adhesion activates platelets, causing them to release granules containing ADP, serotonin, and thromboxane A2, which further recruit and activate additional platelets, leading to the formation of a platelet plug.
