Thrombocytes are another name for which blood component?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. Platelets
• C. White blood cells
• D. Plasma

Answer: (B)

Thrombocytes are platelets, the small cell fragments in blood that help stop bleeding. They’re one of the formed elements, along with red blood cells (which carry oxygen) and white blood cells (which defend against infection), while plasma is the liquid component that carries these cells and proteins. Platelets come from bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes and play a key role in hemostasis by sticking to damaged vessels, forming a platelet plug, and releasing clotting factors that help stabilize a clot. This makes them distinct from red and white blood cells and from the plasma that transports them.