Anatomy & Physiology Circulatory #16

Question

Which blood cell is responsible for hemostasis within the human body?

Answers

1. Eosinophils

   • Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) and their primary role is fighting infection, not hemostasis.

2. Leukocytes

   • Leukocyte is the medical term for WBCs and the primary role is fighting infection, not hemostasis.

3. Erythrocytes

   • Erythrocyte is the medical term for red blood cells (RBCs) and the primary role is carrying oxygen, not hemostasis.

4. Thrombocytes

   • Thrombocyte is the medical term for platelets. They are responsible for hemostasis, or the termination of bleeding within the blood vessels.

Overview

Hemostasis is the mechanism that leads to the termination of bleeding from a blood vessel.

Learning Outcomes

The process of hemostasis involves multiple steps that are interlinked. The blood cell that is primarily responsible for hemostasis within the human body is the thrombocyte. Thrombocytes is the medical term for platelets.

Test Taking Tip

Use your knowledge of medical terminology to determine actually what the question is asking to choose the correct answer.