THROMBOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A thrombocyte, also known as a platelet, is a small, disc-shaped blood cell that plays a crucial role in the clotting process and wound healing. Thrombocytes are produced in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes and are released into the bloodstream.
Functionally, thrombocytes are primarily responsible for preventing excessive bleeding by forming blood clots. When damage or injury occurs to a blood vessel, thrombocytes aggregate at the site and release various substances to initiate clotting. They adhere to the damaged area, forming a temporary plug, and then release chemicals that activate other substances in the blood, leading to the formation of a fibrin clot. This clot helps seal the damaged area, preventing further blood loss. In addition to their clotting role, thrombocytes also participate in the repair and healing of tissues through the release of growth factors and other substances.
Physically, thrombocytes possess no nucleus and are much smaller in size compared to other blood cells, measuring only about 2 to 3 micrometers in diameter. They have a lifespan of about 9 to 12 days before being cleared by the liver and spleen.
Abnormalities in thrombocyte count or function can lead to different clinical conditions. Excessive thrombocyte production or increased platelet activity can contribute to blood clotting disorders, while decreased production or low platelet counts can result in bleeding tendencies. Consequently, the assessment of thrombocyte levels is an essential component of many hematological evaluations and can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THROMBOCYTE
- rhrombocyte
- fhrombocyte
- ghrombocyte
- yhrombocyte
- 6hrombocyte
- 5hrombocyte
- tgrombocyte
- tbrombocyte
- tnrombocyte
- tjrombocyte
- turombocyte
- tyrombocyte
- theombocyte
- thdombocyte
- thfombocyte
- thtombocyte
- th5ombocyte
- th4ombocyte
- thrimbocyte
- thromboctte
- thrombocytte
- thrombocite
- Thrombocyto
Etymology of THROMBOCYTE
The word "thrombocyte" comes from two Greek roots: "thrombo" meaning "clot" and "cyte" meaning "cell". When combined, the term "thrombocyte" literally means "clot cell". The word is used to describe the specialized cells in the blood that aid in clotting and play a crucial role in the body's immune response and wound healing.
Similar spelling words for THROMBOCYTE
- thrombectomy,
- thermobia,
- thrombin,
- thrombocytosis,
- thrombasthenia,
- thrombokinase,
- thromboplastin,
- thrombolysis,
- thrombose,
- thrombolytic,
- thrombopenia,
- thrombus,
- thrombosis,
- thrombosed.
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