What is the role of platelets in the blood?

Platelets play a critical role in hemostasis, which is the process of blood clotting. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets are among the first responders to the site of injury. They adhere to the exposed tissue and to one another, forming a temporary "platelet plug" that helps to seal the breach in the vessel wall. This aggregation of platelets is essential for preventing excessive bleeding and is a fundamental step in the body’s natural wound healing process.

In contrast, the other functions mentioned in the options are performed by different components of the blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues, while white blood cells are involved in the immune response by producing antibodies. Additionally, carbon dioxide is primarily transported away from cells by red blood cells in combination with plasma, not by platelets. Hence, the specific role of platelets in clot formation distinctly identifies them as crucial players in maintaining hemostasis.