Hematopoiesis: Platelet Production

A hormone responsible for stimulating the production and maturation of megakaryocytes, the cells that produce platelets.

A type of megakaryocyte progenitor that divides using normal mitosis, maintaining a pool of megakaryocyte progenitors.

A more mature megakaryocyte progenitor that loses its ability to divide via mitosis but undergoes endomitosis, increasing its DNA content and size.

A cytokine that cooperates with thrombopoietin to stimulate early megakaryocyte differentiation.

A cytokine that promotes megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release in later stages.

A cytokine that contributes to megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release, often working alongside Interleukin-6.

A method of analyzing cells based on their physical and chemical properties, useful for identifying megakaryocyte progenitors in the bone marrow.

The process of megakaryocyte development, including proliferation, differentiation, and maturation.

The process of producing megakaryocytes, the large cells that give rise to platelets.

A stem cell that can develop into both megakaryocytes and erythrocytes. It's a precursor cell type that has the versatility to become either.

Red bone marrow holds the megakaryocytes, the specialized cells responsible for making platelets.

The first recognizable stage of a megakaryocyte. An immature, rapidly growing cell which later differentiates into a mature megakaryocyte.

Specialized process of cell division unique to megakaryocytes. During endomitosis, DNA replicates repeatedly, but the cell does not divide into daughter cells, resulting in one large cell with multiple nuclei.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a hormone that regulates the production of megakaryocytes, thereby influencing platelet production.

Megakaryocytes are the largest cells in the bone marrow and contain multiples copies of chromosomes (being polyploid). The process of endomitosis leads to this increase in DNA content.

The process of platelet production, starting from megakaryocytes and resulting in cell fragments called platelets.

Large cells in the bone marrow responsible for producing platelets.

Platelets are small, anucleate (no nucleus) cell fragments that play a crucial role in hemostasis (stopping bleeding).

The central portion of a platelet containing granules, giving it a granular appearance.

The outer region of a platelet surrounding the chromomere, appearing clear or light blue under a microscope.

A system of channels within megakaryocytes that progressively divides the cytoplasm into smaller fragments, which ultimately become platelets.

The process of platelet formation, involving the development of megakaryocytes and their fragmentation into platelets.

Platelets are derived from fragments of megakaryocytes, explaining their small size and lack of a nucleus.

The shedding of platelets from megakaryocytes, a process involving the formation of proplatelet processes that extend into the bloodstream and release individual platelets.

A cytoplasmic extension that forms from a megakaryocyte, allowing for the release of platelets into the bloodstream.

The normal range of platelets in a healthy individual, typically 150 to 400 x 10^9/L.

A structure in the spleen that filters blood and helps to regulate the number of platelets in circulation.

The process of stopping bleeding by the formation of a platelet plug to seal the wound.

A measure of the percentage of platelets in blood that are in the circulation rather than stored in the spleen.

Platelets adhere to the vessel wall, initiating the clotting process. This is triggered by the exposure of collagen, a protein found in blood vessel walls.

When platelets are activated, they change shape and begin signaling other platelets to join the clotting process.

Activated platelets release granules, which attract other platelets and initiate the clotting cascade.

Platelets clumping together to form a plug to stop bleeding. This is a crucial step in the hemostasis process.

ADP, ATP, serotonin, and calcium ions are all important components of platelet function, supporting platelet aggregation and activation.

Lysosomes are organelles within platelets that play a key role in breaking down damaged tissue during clotting. Think of them as the 'clean up crew'.

The platelet plug is formed through a series of steps: platelet adhesion, platelet activation, platelet secretion, and platelet aggregation.

A platelet plug is a temporary barrier that stops bleeding. It is quickly followed by the formation of a more permanent clot (secondary hemostasis).

A layer of glycoproteins and other molecules on the outer surface of the platelet membrane, crucial for adhesion, aggregation, and coagulation.

The control center of platelet activation, responsible for the platelet's reaction to thrombin and fibrinogen.

A network of microtubules, actin microfilaments, and intermediate filaments that controls platelet shape, extension of pseudopods, and secretion of granules.

The major protein component of microtubules, maintaining the discoid shape of platelets.

The negative surface charge maintained by the glycocalyx helps platelets repel each other, preventing unwanted clotting.

The ability of platelets to change shape, extending pseudopods to adhere to the damaged blood vessel wall.

The process where platelets release the contents of their granules, including growth factors and signaling molecules, to aid in healing.