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[[Platelet|Platelets]] (or thrombocytes) are responsible for primary haemostasis by the formation of a temporary platelet plug that initially seals any breach to a blood vessel wall.  These breaches are then sealed more completely by the formation of a fibrin clot induced by the coagulation factor cascade.   
 
[[Platelet|Platelets]] (or thrombocytes) are responsible for primary haemostasis by the formation of a temporary platelet plug that initially seals any breach to a blood vessel wall.  These breaches are then sealed more completely by the formation of a fibrin clot induced by the coagulation factor cascade.   
 
===Terminology===
 
===Terminology===
*'''Thrombocytopaenia''' refers to low absolute numbers of platelets. [[Immune Mediated Thrombocytopaenia|Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia]] (ITP) is one common cause of thrombocytopaenia and this may be a primary or secondary disease.   
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*'''Thrombocytopaenia''' refers to low absolute numbers of platelets. Infections, neoplasia and [[Immune Mediated Thrombocytopaenia|Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia]] (ITP) are common causes of thrombocytopaenia, which is frequently a secondary disease.   
 
*'''Thrombocytopathia''' refers to platelets that are unable to function adequately.
 
*'''Thrombocytopathia''' refers to platelets that are unable to function adequately.
 
*'''Thrombocytosis''' refers to an increase in the blood platelet concentration above the normal level.
 
*'''Thrombocytosis''' refers to an increase in the blood platelet concentration above the normal level.
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