What component of blood helps in clotting?

Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in the clotting process. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly gather at the site of the injury and adhere to the exposed tissue as well as to one another. They form a temporary "platelet plug" that helps to stop bleeding. In addition to this initial phase of clotting, platelets also release various chemicals that further facilitate clot formation and attract more platelets to the area. This is why they are considered essential for the hemostatic process.

In contrast, white blood cells primarily function in the immune response, red blood cells are responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products but does not directly contribute to the clotting process itself.