What is a platelet deficiency resulting in spontaneous bleeding from small blood vessels called?

A deficiency of platelets that leads to spontaneous bleeding from small blood vessels is termed thrombocytopenia. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and a low platelet count can impair the body’s ability to form clots, resulting in increased bleeding tendency. This condition can arise from various factors, including bone marrow disorders, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases that destroy platelets.

In contrast, hemophilia refers to a genetic disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to the absence or deficiency of clotting factors, rather than platelets. Anemia involves a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which primarily affects oxygen transport rather than clotting. Polycythemia, on the other hand, is characterized by an increased number of red blood cells and does not directly relate to bleeding or platelet deficiency. Thus, thrombocytopenia specifically addresses the concern of low platelet levels and the resulting risk of spontaneous bleeding.