What component of blood is responsible for clotting?

Platelets are the component of blood that plays a crucial role in the clotting process. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets are activated and start to adhere to the site of the injury, forming a plug that helps to stop further bleeding. They release chemicals that facilitate the recruitment of more platelets and also support the activation of clotting factors in the blood, leading to the formation of a stable fibrin clot.

Red blood cells primarily function to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, while white blood cells are mainly involved in the immune response, helping to protect against infections. Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, but it does not have a direct role in the clotting process itself. Therefore, the distinctive function of platelets in initiating and promoting the clotting cascade makes them the correct choice for this question.