PHYSIOLOGICAL MICROTHROMBOEMBOLIZATION AS PRIMARY PLATELET-FUNCTION - ELIMINATION OF INVADED PARTICLES FROM CIRCULATION AND ITS PATHOGENIC SIGNIFICANCE

It appears that the platelets act as defense in protecting the different populations of the circulating blood from invading foreign particles. The latter are captured rapidly after they enter the blood stream by the clumping of platelets. The captives are subsequently eliminated by embolization of these mixed thrombi into the microcirculation of different organs. This process is followed by extravasation of such mixed clumps or of their captive foreign particles which are liberated into the tissues at perivascular sites. They are deposited there or possibly migrate ultimately into lymph channels. The primary function of platelets does not bring about clinical thrombotic conditions or concern the initial phase in the physiology of hemostasis.