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What is the structure and function of blood platelets in the human body? What about them makes them so important to maintain a healthy life for a human?

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What is the structure and function of blood platelets in the human body? What about them makes them so important to maintain a healthy life for a human?

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By: Erin Brown

The function of blood platelets is somewhat simple. The body does not handle blood loss very well and when high levels of blood are lost the body is unable to truly function properly and to its fullest potential. The major function of blood platelets in humans is to form clots, with the help of other substances in the body. Platelets gather at the site of the wound in attempt to block the blood flow to that specific spot on the body. These other substances that assist the blood clotting in the body are calcium, vitamin K, and fibrinogen (a protein). As soon as the blood is exposed to oxygen, the platelets are able to sense the air and break apart. The protein fibrinogen begins to form fibrin, which are tiny threads. These thread like cells begin to form webs/nets that trap the blood cells within it. This net around the blood cell hardens and will later become the scab of the wounded area. Scabbing is only one form of blood platelets at work in the human body. Platelets can also function inside the body with wounds such as bruises. Blood clotting assists in healing, however, it also may be a very dangerous occurrence when it happens in blood vessels.

Blood platelets are so important to the human body because without blood platelets the body would never be able to stop any bleeding wounds. The body regulates a blood supply throughout the entire body, and without a sufficient amount the body has to do more work and becomes worn out and tired easily. Blood platelet counts are also a very important factor in keeping the body healthy. When the body has a low blood platelet count the blood will not be able to clot properly. Some individuals have blood platelets that are too "sticky" which is also very dangerous. The blood platelets will stick together in the blood vessels, heart and brain and can cause strokes, heart attacks, etc. It is very important to have a healthy number and correctly acting blood platelets in order to make sure that wounds are able to heal and clots do not occur in places they are not suppose to.

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What is asthma? What causes some individuals to have asthma? What are the symptoms? Is there a way to cure a patient suffering from uncontrolled asthma symptoms?     

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What is asthma? What causes some individuals to have asthma? What are the symptoms? Is there a way to cure a patient suffering from uncontrolled asthma symptoms?     

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By: Erin Brown

Asthma, although not life threatening, still affects many people's day to day lifestyles and wellbeing. Asthma affects 5 people in every 100 people, and is considered a chronic disease of the lungs and the airways. An asthma attack usually can be described as wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and tightening of chest. These symptoms can occur all the time but for most asthma suffers these symptoms only occur during attacks. During an attack, the airways become narrowed, constricted, and inflamed.

Asthma can onset at any point in life, but the actual reason for the onset is not clear currently. The only known factor that plays into those who suffer and those who don't is the airways. The airways of those with asthma are much more sensitive than those of unaffected individual. Asthma is known to run in families and can be set off by "triggers". Triggers include weather change, air quality, vigorous exercise, and stress. Triggers can also be allergens such as pollen, smoke, and many other air born pollutions. Asthma currently does not have a solution to the disease, but rather a way of controlling the attacks as they occur. The attacks can be shortened and less intense with the help of medicine and inhalers. Asthma is a chronic, long term disease with out a known cure. Some children may grow out of asthma but this varies from person to person. Asthma can affect a person their whole life or just a few years.

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