British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Platelets definition

Definition: If we accidentally fall or cut ourselves accidentally, we bleed but soon after, the bleeding stops. This is because our blood contains cells called 'Platelets' (because they look like plates). If the skin is broken, the platelets recognise this and rush towards the opening - when they reach the wound, they spread out, rather like an octopus, in an effort to breach the wound. These platelets also make chemicals that trigger other proteins (Fibrin) to help - when these proteins arrive, they create a mesh around the opening behind the platelets. This mesh is sticky and the surrounding blood cells get caught in it, the fibrin then becomes insoluble, and this forms a blood clot. Over time a hard scab forms on the surface of the skin.