CFU-Meg

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

CFU-Meg or Colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte is a type of stem cell that produces megakaryocytes, which are large cells found in the bone marrow that later develop into platelets, a type of blood cell essential for normal blood clotting.

Overview

CFU-Meg is a type of colony-forming unit (CFU), a term used in hematology to describe a cell that can proliferate and differentiate into a colony of more mature cells. In the case of CFU-Meg, these are megakaryocytes.

Function

The primary function of CFU-Meg is to produce megakaryocytes. These cells are responsible for the production of platelets, which play a crucial role in blood clotting. When an injury occurs and a blood vessel is damaged, platelets gather at the site of the injury and form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in CFU-Meg can lead to various medical conditions. For instance, a decrease in the number of CFU-Meg can result in thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by low platelet count. On the other hand, an increase in the number of CFU-Meg can lead to thrombocytosis, a condition characterized by an excessive number of platelets.

See also

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD