What is the function of platelets in the blood?

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, play a crucial role in the hemostatic process, which is essential for stopping bleeding. Their primary function is to facilitate blood clotting, which is vital for healing injuries and preventing excessive blood loss. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site of damage and aggregate to form a temporary "platelet plug." They also release various substances that promote further coagulation by attracting more platelets and stimulating the blood coagulation cascade. This process ultimately leads to the formation of a stable blood clot, composed of fibrin, which helps seal the wound.

The other choices concern different functions not attributed to platelets. The transportation of oxygen and nutrients is primarily the role of red blood cells, while body temperature regulation is largely managed by the hypothalamus and involves various physiological processes, rather than a function of blood components like platelets. Fighting infections is mainly the responsibility of white blood cells (leukocytes), which are part of the immune response. These distinctions highlight why the correct answer focuses specifically on the clotting function of platelets.