BLOOD PLATELETS Meaning and
Definition
-
Blood platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, irregularly-shaped cell fragments found in the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow by megakaryocytes and play a vital role in the process of blood clotting or coagulation.
Blood platelets contain various substances, such as proteins and enzymes, that are essential for clot formation. When there is an injury or damage to blood vessels, platelets are immediately activated and aggregate at the site of injury. Through a complex series of interactions with other components of the blood, platelets form a sticky plug or clot to seal off the damaged area, preventing further blood loss.
Besides their participation in clotting, blood platelets also release important substances called growth factors, which stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. Additionally, platelets can help initiate and modulate the immune response, playing a role in inflammation and immune defense mechanisms.
The quantitative measurement of blood platelets is a routine component of a complete blood count (CBC) and is expressed as the platelet count. Any significant increase or decrease in platelet count can indicate various medical conditions. High platelet counts, known as thrombocytosis, can occur in certain infections, inflammation, or bone marrow disorders, while low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia, can be caused by conditions such as immune-mediated diseases, viral infections, or chemotherapy.
Common Misspellings for BLOOD PLATELETS
- vlood platelets
- nlood platelets
- hlood platelets
- glood platelets
- bkood platelets
- bpood platelets
- boood platelets
- bliod platelets
- blkod platelets
- bllod platelets
- blpod platelets
- bl0od platelets
- bl9od platelets
- bloid platelets
- blokd platelets
- blold platelets
- blopd platelets
- blo0d platelets
- blo9d platelets
- bloos platelets
Etymology of BLOOD PLATELETS
The word "platelet" originates from the French word "plaquette", which means a small plate. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century. The term "blood platelet" refers to the small, disc-shaped cells found in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting and wound healing. The name "blood" denotes their presence in the circulatory system, while "platelets" describes their shape and appearance under a microscope.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
