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Thrombocyte
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Thrombocytes, more commonly known as platelets, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments found throughout the blood and spleen.
Because they do not contain a nucleus or organelles, they are not considered to be true cells. Rather, they are cell fragments generated from large progenitor cells found in bone marrow known as megakaryocytes. At only 2-4 micrometers in diameter, they are significantly smaller than any other cellular structures in the blood.
Functionally, thrombocytes play an essential role in hemostasis. They form clots in response to tears in blood vessels by triggering the release of a series of coagulation factors such as fibrinogen.
| Terminology |
English: Thrombocyte Latin: Thrombocytus |
| Definition | Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are specialized blood cells which function to controlling blood clotting. |
| Function | Thrombocytes form clots in response to tears in blood vessels by triggering the release of a series of coagulation factors. |
Learn more about the different components of blood in the following study unit:
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