Platelet swirling
Platelet Swirling
Platelet swirling (pronunciation: /ˈpleɪtlɪt ˈswɜːrlɪŋ/) is a phenomenon observed in blood samples under the microscope. It is characterized by the movement of platelets in a swirling pattern, which is often indicative of their viability and functionality.
Etymology
The term "platelet swirling" is derived from the words "platelet", which refers to the small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding, and "swirling", which describes the movement pattern these platelets exhibit under certain conditions.
Description
Platelet swirling is a phenomenon that is often observed during the examination of blood smears under a microscope. It is characterized by the swirling or circular movement of platelets. This movement is believed to be caused by the active cytoskeleton of the platelets, which maintains their discoid shape and allows for changes in shape during activation.
The presence of platelet swirling is often used as an indicator of platelet viability and functionality. It is typically observed in fresh, non-activated platelets. The absence of swirling may indicate platelet activation, dysfunction, or death.
Related Terms
- Blood: The body fluid in humans and other animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.
- Platelets: Also called thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.
- Blood smear: A method used in the laboratory to look at blood cells under the microscope.
- Cytoskeleton: A complex, dynamic network of interlinking protein filaments present in the cytoplasm of all cells, including bacteria and archaea.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Platelet swirling
- Wikipedia's article - Platelet swirling
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