Whiqh one of the following is the major function of platelets ?

The major function of platelets, also known as thrombocytes, is the clotting of blood to prevent excessive bleeding during injury [1]. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets circulate to the site and form a 'platelet plug' through a process called primary hemostasis [1]. This mechanism involves platelets sticking to the damaged tissue and recruiting more platelets to seal leaks in the circulatory system [1]. While modern research highlights their secondary roles in immune modulation and inflammation, their classical and primary physiological role remains hemostasis and wound repair [2]. In contrast, oxygen transport is the primary function of red blood corpuscles (erythrocytes) containing hemoglobin [3]. Immunity and phagocytosis are primarily associated with white blood cells (leukocytes), although platelets do interact with these immune cells during infections [4].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Maintenance by platelets > p. 94
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.7 > p. 91
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Do You Know? > p. 90
4. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10038213/