Blood Component Separation in Centrifugation

What is found in the buffy coat when blood is centrifuged?

a) plasma and leukocytes

b) leukocytes and erythrocytes

c) erythrocytes and platelets

d) platelets and leukocytes

Final answer:

When blood is centrifuged, the buffy coat contains platelets and leukocytes.

Explanation:

When blood is centrifuged, the components separate by density. The buffy coat is a thin, pale layer that can be observed between the plasma and erythrocytes in the centrifuged blood. This layer consists of leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets, which are involved in immune response and clotting, respectively. Thus, when blood is centrifuged, what is found in the buffy coat are platelets and leukocytes. This layer separates the erythrocytes, which settle at the bottom due to being the heaviest elements, from the plasma, which is the lightest component and floats at the top.