Final answer:
Platelets typically last around 10 days in the human body and are crucial for blood clotting. They are stored in the spleen and replaced continuously through a process called hemopoiesis in the bone marrow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are essential components in the process of blood clotting, which stops bleeding and prevents excess blood loss. These cell fragments have a typical lifespan of about 10 days in the human body. Once in circulation, a portion of the platelets are reserved in the spleen and later released to aid in clotting at the site of a blood vessel injury. The body continuously replaces aged and spent platelets, a process known as hemopoiesis or hematopoiesis, primarily occurring in the red bone marrow.