What happens to platelets after an injury?

After an injury, platelets increase in number as part of the body's natural response to promote healing. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets quickly move to the site of the injury and become activated. They adhere to the exposed collagen fibers in the vessel wall and each other, forming a temporary plug to help control bleeding. This activation also triggers the release of various chemical signals that recruit even more platelets to the area, further amplifying the response and facilitating clot formation. This process is vital for wound healing and preventing excessive blood loss, which is why the increase in platelet count is a critical part of the body's immediate reaction to injury.