Megakaryocytes are the precursor cells of platelets (blood thrombocytes). They are located in the bone marrow and are formed from pluripotent stem cells. Disorders in platelet formation lead to either thrombocythemia (uncontrolled platelet formation) or thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet formation). What are megakaryocytes? Megakaryocytes, as hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow, are the precursor cells of … Megakaryocytes: Function & Diseases
Definition Thrombocytes are blood platelets, of which each person carries approximately 150,000 to 350,000 per μl of blood. The thrombocytes perform an important function in blood clotting. Platelets therefore ensure that when a patient cuts himself or herself, the wound is closed again as quickly as possible and with as little blood loss as possible … Blood platelets (thrombocytes)
Platelet aggregation When a vessel is injured, the platelets come into contact with the connective tissue, which normally has no contact with the blood. A coagulation factor, the so-called von Willebrand factor (vWF), can now attach itself to this tissue from the blood. The thrombocyte has special receptors for this factor (vWR) and binds to … Platelet aggregation | Blood platelets (thrombocytes)
Blood count In the small blood count the number of thrombocytes is always determined because they have an important function in the coagulation cascade. The thrombocytes can be recognized here as small blood platelets without a cell nucleus. Compared to the white blood cells (leukocytes) and the red blood cells (erythrocytes) they look tiny and … Blood count | Blood platelets (thrombocytes)
Platelet donation In case of injuries or operations where large blood losses occur or in case of people who cannot produce enough platelets due to their disease(s), it may be necessary to administer platelets from other people, as they cannot be produced artificially. Nowadays this is done in the form of platelet concentrates. The donation … Platelet donation | Blood platelets (thrombocytes)
