Which of the following blood components is responsible for the clotting of blood?

Platelets are the key blood components responsible for the clotting of blood. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly travel to the site of the injury and adhere to the exposed tissue. They undergo a process known as activation, which changes their shape and causes them to release chemical signals that attract more platelets to the site. This aggregation of platelets forms a temporary "platelet plug" that helps to stop further bleeding.

In addition to their primary role in forming clots, platelets also interact with various clotting factors in the plasma to facilitate the overall coagulation process. This is crucial for preventing excessive blood loss and promoting wound healing. Understanding the function of platelets is essential for recognizing how the body responds to hemorrhagic events and initiating the repair process.