How Do You Spell PLATELETS?

1. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, irregularly shaped cell fragments found in the blood that play a crucial role in the process of blood clotting or coagulation. They are part of the formed elements of blood, along with red blood cells (erythrocytes) and white blood cells (leukocytes). Platelets are produced in the bone marrow by megakaryocytes, which are large cells that fragment into thousands of platelets.

   Platelets function primarily to prevent excessive bleeding and promote clot formation when blood vessels are damaged. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets become activated and adhere to the damaged area, forming a temporary plug that stops bleeding. They release chemicals and proteins that attract and activate more platelets to reinforce the clot. Additionally, platelets facilitate the activation of clotting factors, resulting in the formation of a fibrin meshwork that stabilizes the clot and seals the wound.

   Apart from their role in clotting, platelets also possess other important functions. They contribute to the repair and regeneration of blood vessels, releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue healing. Platelets can also interact with immune cells to initiate immune responses and help fight against infections.

   Abnormal platelet levels can lead to various health conditions. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can cause excessive bleeding, while high platelet count (thrombocytosis) may lead to abnormal clotting, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Monitoring platelet levels is vital for diagnosing and managing various blood disorders and determining the appropriate treatment options.

Top Common Misspellings for PLATELETS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PLATELETS

The word "platelets" originated from the combination of two words: "plate" and "-let".

The term "plate" can be traced back to the Old French word "plate", which means "flat" or "thin". It eventually evolved into the Middle English word "plat", which referred to a flat piece or a shallow dish.

The suffix "-let" is a diminutive form in English, which means "small". It is derived from the Old French "-elet", and ultimately from the Latin "-olus".

Therefore, "platelets" can be understood as "small plates" or "small flat pieces". The name was chosen to describe the disc-shaped cells found in the blood that are involved in clotting and other important functions.