Platelets (thrombocytes) are white blood cells predominantly responsible for forming a blood clot (thrombus) during injuries to limit blood loss. Platelets patrol in the blood stream to recognize structures representing damaged blood vessel walls, the incident which prompts them to aggregate and form a thrombus. Platelets respond to various molecules, such as hormones, which may increase their alertness to prepare a thrombus in the incident of an injury. The stress hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) activates blood platelets to increase their “adhesiveness”. This allows them to more rapidly form a thrombus and bring bleedings to a halt.

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