PLATELET Meaning and
Definition
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Platelet:
A platelet refers to a small, disc-shaped component found in the blood that plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Also known as thrombocytes, platelets are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood to help prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots at the site of an injury.
Platelets are formed from megakaryocytes, which are large cells found in the bone marrow. Upon maturation, these cells fragment into numerous small disc-like structures, each becoming an individual platelet. Typically measuring 2-4 micrometers in diameter, platelets lack a nucleus but contain various organelles within their cytoplasm.
When a blood vessel is ruptured or damaged, platelets are activated and rapidly adhere to the site of injury, forming a temporary plug called a platelet plug. This process, known as platelet adhesion, is the initial step in hemostasis, the physiological response to bleeding. Beyond adhesion, platelets release several substances, such as thromboxane A2 and fibrinogen, which enhance platelet aggregation, the clumping together of platelets, forming a more stable clot.
Platelets also release growth factors that help in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, they interact with other blood components, such as blood vessels and white blood cells, to modulate immune responses and inflammation. While platelets are vital in preventing excessive bleeding, their high count can also lead to unwanted blood clot formation, posing a risk for conditions like deep vein thrombosis or stroke.
Overall, platelets are essential components of the blood that contribute to both the maintenance of hemostasis and various other important physiological processes within the body.
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A little plate or plaque; specifically a blood-plate, a round or oval disc, presenting no biconcavity, one-third to one-half the size of an erythrocyte, and containing no hemoglobin, called also Hayem's hematoblast, Zimmermann's corpuscle or particle. The platelets are more numerous than the leucocytes, numbering from 200,000 to 800,000 per cubic millimeter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of PLATELET
The word "platelet" is derived from the Old French word "platele", which means "little plate". This, in turn, comes from the Latin word "platellus", meaning "small dish" or "little plate". The term "platelet" was first used in anatomy in the late 19th century to describe the small, disc-shaped cells in the blood responsible for clotting.
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