Question

Many platelets converge and stick together at a wound site, eventually forming a platelet plug, also called a fibrin clot. Platelets continue to arrive at the wound site until the plug is completely formed. Describe the feedback mechanisms taking place and predict what would likely happen if part of the platelet plug broke away before the wound was healed.

a) Positive feedback; increased platelet aggregation
b) Negative feedback; decreased platelet aggregation
c) Positive feedback; decreased platelet aggregation
d) Negative feedback; increased platelet aggregation

Answer 1

Platelet plug formation at a wound site involves positive feedback and increased platelet aggregation. If part of the platelet plug broke away before the wound is healed, the positive feedback loop would restart, calling more platelets to the site to repair the broken plug.

Step-by-step explanation:

Platelet plug formation at a wound site involves a positive feedback mechanism. When a wound occurs, platelets are attracted to the site and aggregate to form a plug. This plug releases chemicals that attract more platelets, leading to increased aggregation, which reinforces the plug formation. If part of the platelet plug breaks away before the wound is healed, the positive feedback loop would restart, calling more platelets to the site to repair the broken plug.