Megakaryocyte
Megakaryocyte
Megakaryocyte (pronounced: meh-guh-KAR-ee-oh-site) is a large bone marrow cell with a lobulated nucleus responsible for the production of blood thrombocytes (platelets), which are necessary for normal blood clotting.
Etymology
The term "Megakaryocyte" is derived from the Greek words "megas" meaning "large", "karyon" meaning "nucleus", and "kytos" meaning "cell".
Function
Megakaryocytes are essential for the production of platelets. They undergo a process called thrombopoiesis to produce platelets. This process involves the fragmentation of the cytoplasm of the megakaryocyte into small, platelet-sized pieces which are then released into the bloodstream.
Related Terms
- Thrombopoiesis: The process of platelet production from megakaryocytes.
- Platelets: Small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.
- Bone marrow: The spongy tissue inside some of your bones, such as your hip and thigh bones. It contains immature cells, called stem cells.
- Hematopoiesis: The formation of blood cellular components.
See Also
- Hematology: The branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
- Cell biology: The study of cell structure and function, and it revolves around the concept that the cell is the fundamental unit of life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Megakaryocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Megakaryocyte
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