MEGAKARYOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A megakaryocyte refers to a large, distinctive cell found in the bone marrow and is a precursor to platelet formation. It is an important cell in the process known as megakaryopoiesis, which refers to the production and maturation of platelets. Megakaryocytes are classified as giant cells due to their relatively large size compared to other cells. Typically, they are 10 to 50 times larger than a normal cell, and their size can range from 30 to 100 micrometers in diameter.
Within the bone marrow, megakaryocytes undergo extremely complex cellular changes. These changes involve extensive DNA replication and endoreduplication, resulting in a multi-lobulated nucleus. The cytoplasm of a megakaryocyte contains numerous granules, referred to as demarcation membranes, which are responsible for platelet formation and contain an abundance of platelet-specific proteins and clotting factors.
When megakaryocytes reach maturity, they release thousands of small, disc-shaped fragments called platelets into the bloodstream through a process called fragmentation. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are essential for blood clotting and play a crucial role in wound healing and the prevention of excessive bleeding.
The study of megakaryocytes is of particular interest in hematology, as abnormalities in their formation and function can lead to various blood disorders, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or essential thrombocythemia (excessive production of platelets).
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEGAKARYOCYTE
- negakaryocyte
- kegakaryocyte
- jegakaryocyte
- mwgakaryocyte
- msgakaryocyte
- mdgakaryocyte
- mrgakaryocyte
- m4gakaryocyte
- m3gakaryocyte
- mefakaryocyte
- mevakaryocyte
- mebakaryocyte
- mehakaryocyte
- meyakaryocyte
- metakaryocyte
- megzkaryocyte
- megskaryocyte
- megwkaryocyte
- megqkaryocyte
Etymology of MEGAKARYOCYTE
The word "megakaryocyte" is derived from two Greek roots: "mega" meaning large or great, and "karyon" meaning nucleus or kernel. In biology, "karyocyte" refers to a cell with a nucleus, and in the case of "megakaryocyte", the prefix "mega" emphasizes that it is a large cell.
"Megakaryocyte" specifically refers to a bone marrow cell that is responsible for producing platelets, which are involved in blood clotting. The term was coined to describe these unique and large cells, with "mega" highlighting their larger size compared to other marrow cells.
Similar spelling word for MEGAKARYOCYTE
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