Platelet Function in Hemostasis and Inherited Disorders of Platelet Number and Function

Hemostasis for the cessation of bleeding encompasses a series of inter-related and simultaneously occurring events involving the blood vessel, platelets and the plasma coagulation system. Platelets are anucleate fragments derived from bone marrow megakaryocytes and participate in a major role in hemostasis. This chapter focuses on platelet structure and function, and on inherited disorders of platelet number and function, which are generally associated with an increased bleeding risk with injury.