Platelet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉธ
platelet
[หpleษชt.lษชt ]
Definition
biology, medicine
A platelet is a small, disc-shaped cell fragment found in blood that plays a crucial role in the body's ability to form clots and stop bleeding. They are produced in the bone marrow and are essential for hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding by clot formation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Platelets help form blood clots after an injury.
- A decrease in platelet count can lead to excessive bleeding.
- Doctors monitor platelet levels during certain medical treatments.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Platelets are not actual cells but small fragments that come from larger cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes.
- When you get a cut, platelets stick together to form a plug that stops the bleeding, like sealing a hole with a patch.
Medical Significance
- A normal platelet count in adults typically ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
- Low platelet counts, a condition known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to excessive bleeding or bruising.
Health Innovations
- Researchers are developing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies to help with healing musculoskeletal injuries, using a concentration of platelets from the patient's blood.
- Synthetic platelets are being studied as potential treatments for conditions like hemophilia, where blood doesn't clot properly.
Cultural Impact
- In some cultures, blood donation is celebrated, as it can help individuals in need, highlighting the importance of components like platelets in saving lives.
- Platelets play a role in modern medicine, influencing public health campaigns that promote blood donation as a way to help others.
Myth and Misconceptions
- Some think platelets are a type of white blood cell, but they are actually quite different, focusing on clotting rather than fighting infections.
- Thereโs a common belief that higher platelet counts always mean better health, but excessively high levels can also pose risks, such as increased clotting and cardiovascular issues.
Origin of 'platelet'
The word 'platelet' comes from the French word 'plaquette', which means 'small flat object' or 'tablet'. The term was first used in the medical field in the 19th century to describe these small blood cells. Platelets were first identified in the blood by pathologists in the mid-1800s, but their function in clotting and wound healing was not understood until later. The study of platelets and their role in hemostasis has evolved significantly since then, with advancements in medical research that have clarified their function and importance in various diseases, including clotting disorders and cardiovascular diseases.