In human blood, platelets are small cell fragments involved in clotting; what is the other scientific name commonly used for these platelets?

Introduction / Context:
Human blood contains three main types of formed elements: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each has at least one scientific name. This question checks whether you know the alternative name for platelets, which play an important role in blood clotting. Correctly remembering that platelets are also called thrombocytes strengthens your understanding of basic haematology terminology.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Platelets are involved in clot formation and prevention of excessive bleeding.- White blood cells are called leucocytes, and red blood cells are called erythrocytes.- The options list leucocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, thrombocytes and monocytes.- The question asks for the other name of platelets.

Concept / Approach:
Platelets are small, disc shaped cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. They circulate in the blood and aggregate at sites of vessel injury, forming a temporary plug and releasing factors that promote coagulation. In scientific terminology, these structures are called thrombocytes, from the word thrombus, meaning clot. Leucocytes refer to white blood cells as a group, and erythrocytes refer to red blood cells. Monocytes are a specific type of leucocyte. Therefore, thrombocytes is the correct alternative name for platelets.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that blood components include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.Step 2: Remember that red blood cells are called erythrocytes and white blood cells are called leucocytes.Step 3: Recognise that platelets are involved in clotting and their scientific name is thrombocytes.Step 4: Examine the options and match each term to the correct blood component.Step 5: Select option D, thrombocytes, the clot forming cell fragments, as the other name for platelets.

Verification / Alternative check:
Biology and medical textbooks consistently use thrombocytes as an alternative term for platelets, especially in comparative vertebrate studies.Laboratory reports and haematology charts often label platelet counts as platelet or thrombocyte counts, reinforcing this terminology.No authoritative source calls platelets leucocytes, erythrocytes or monocytes, confirming thrombocytes as the correct synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because leucocytes are white blood cells responsible for immune defence, not platelets.Option B is wrong because erythrocytes are red blood cells that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, not involved in clot formation.Option C is wrong because platelets do indeed have another accepted scientific name, namely thrombocytes.Option E is wrong because monocytes are a subtype of white blood cells that can differentiate into macrophages, not cell fragments involved in clotting.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the different cyt names and mix up erythrocytes, leucocytes and thrombocytes.A helpful memory trick is to connect thrombo with clot, as in thrombosis, which immediately points to platelets or thrombocytes.Keeping this association in mind allows you to quickly recall that thrombocytes is the other name for platelets.

Final Answer:
The other scientific name for blood platelets is thrombocytes, which are small cell fragments involved in clot formation.