New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

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Study for the New York State EMT Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and detailed explanations. Ensure your success on the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of platelets in the body?

Initial formation of a blood clot
Transport of oxygen and nutrients
Defense against invading organisms
Transport of cellular waste materials

The correct answer is: Initial formation of a blood clot

The primary function of platelets, also known as thrombocytes, is the initial formation of a blood clot, which is crucial in the body's hemostatic response to injury. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets are activated and quickly adhere to the site of injury. They aggregate to form a temporary "platelet plug" that serves as the first line of defense against bleeding. This process is essential to prevent excessive blood loss and allows other components of the clotting cascade to take place, leading to a more stable and long-term clot formation. While the other options describe vital functions within the body—such as the transport of oxygen and nutrients by red blood cells, the immune defense provided by white blood cells, and the transport of waste materials by various blood components—they do not pertain to the specific role of platelets within the hemostatic process. Therefore, their primary role is distinct and crucial in the context of wound healing and maintaining vascular integrity.