Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Practice Exam

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, typically have an average lifespan of about 7 to 10 days in the human body. While the precise lifespan can slightly vary from individual to individual, the generally accepted estimation is around 7 to 10 days. The correct answer reflects this understanding, as platelets are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream where they play a crucial role in hemostasis (the process of blood clotting). After their functional life is completed, platelets are primarily removed by the spleen and liver. In this context, the option stating 9.5 days provides an approximation that falls within the typical lifespan range, which is comprehensive enough to affirm the longevity of platelets within a normal physiological state. The other options either overstate or understate the average lifespan by suggesting a timeframe that is less consistent with observed data on platelet longevity. Therefore, the answer chosen accurately reflects the commonly accepted understanding of platelet lifespan in human physiology.