Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments found in blood that help with clotting. There are a few synonyms that can be used to refer to platelets, including blood platelets, thrombocytes, and megakaryocytes. Blood platelets are unique in their role in the coagulation process, as they can adhere to damaged blood vessels and release chemicals that promote clotting. Thrombocytes and megakaryocytes are both terms used to describe the precursor cells that give rise to platelets, with megakaryocytes being the larger of the two. While these terms may differ, they all refer to the same essential component of blood necessary for proper clotting.