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Platelets (thrombocytes) have a life span of 8 to 10 days. True or False?

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Final answer:

It is true that platelets have a lifespan of 8 to 10 days. They are an essential component in blood clotting and are recycled by the body, particularly through the actions of the liver and spleen.

Step-by-step explanation:

True, platelets (thrombocytes) have a lifespan of 8 to 10 days. Platelets are small cell fragments created from the disintegration of larger cells called megakaryocytes, which stay in the bone marrow. These platelets are crucial for blood clotting, as they adhere to wound sites and release clotting factors to form a clot that stops bleeding and prevents the entry of bacteria.

Platelet lifespan is short, lasting about 10 days before they are removed by the body, particularly by the liver and spleen. This is part of the body's continuous process of hemopoiesis - the production of blood's formed elements, which also includes erythrocytes (red blood cells) and leukocytes (white blood cells).

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