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The lifespan of platelets is between 30-60 days. True or False?

User Amcgregor
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The claim that platelets have a lifespan of 30-60 days is false; platelets have a short lifespan of around 10 days before they are removed by macrophages in the liver and spleen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the lifespan of platelets is between 30-60 days is false. Platelets are small blood components that play a critical role in blood clotting. They measure 2-4 µm in diameter and are typically present at concentrations of 150,000-160,000 per µL of blood.

Once platelets enter the circulation, a significant proportion are stored in the spleen and are then released when needed, such as when there is a rupture in a blood vessel.

Their primary function is to limit blood loss. However, platelets have a relatively short lifespan of about 10 days, after which they are phagocytized by macrophages mostly in the liver and spleen.

User Leeroy
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