Question

Which are responsible for clot formation?
A) Platelet
B) Neutrophil
C) Basophil
D) None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Blood contains many different types of cells. These include erythrocytes, lymphocytes, the monocyte lineage, and thrombocytes. These cells may either be involved in an immune response of fighting against infection, or have other functions like clotting.

Complete answer:
Platelets or thrombocytes are involved in the clotting process. Any injury that causes damage to blood vessels will result in activation of the platelets. This activates the various proteins like fibrin and thrombin in the clotting cascade leading the formation of a blood clot. The correct answer if therefore option A.

Neutrophils are leukocytes that are polymorphic and phagocytic. Their main function is to get rid of invading pathogens and thus they are the first line of defence. They also have a large role to play in inflammation caused by tissue injury. Neutrophils are therefore not involved in clotting. Option C is incorrect.

Basophils belong to a class of cells which fight parasitic infections and mount an allergic response. Mature basophils or mast cells release histamine, cytokinins, and leukotrienes in the battle against pathogens. They are not involved in clotting. Option B is incorrect.
Option A being the correct answer, option D is therefore incorrect.

Hence the correct answer is OPTION(A)

Note: When there is a deficiency in the number of platelets or thrombocytopenia, if the numbers fall greatly there severely damages the clotting pathway. Any injury that induces bleeding would cause the individual to suffer massive blood loss. There are other genetic bleeding disorders which prevent clotting like haemophilia. This is a deficiency of factor VIII in the clotting cascade.