Thrombocyte: meaning, definitions and examples
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thrombocyte
[ ˈθrɒmbəsaɪt ]
medical term
Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are a type of blood cell that plays a crucial role in clotting and wound healing. They are produced in the bone marrow and help prevent bleeding by clumping and initiating the formation of a blood clot. Thrombocytes are essential for maintaining hemostasis, the process that prevents and stops bleeding.
Synonyms
blood platelet, clot cell, platelet
Examples of usage
- The doctor ordered a complete blood count to check her thrombocyte levels.
- Thrombocytes are vital for healing after an injury.
- A deficiency in thrombocytes can lead to increased bleeding.
- Monitoring thrombocyte function is important in patients undergoing surgery.
Etymology
The term 'thrombocyte' originates from the Greek word 'thrombos,' meaning 'clot' or 'clotting,' and the suffix '-cyte' derived from the Greek 'kytos,' meaning 'cell.' The word began to be used in the medical field in the late 19th century as scientists started to discover and study the components of blood more thoroughly. Platelets were first identified in 1878 by the German pathologist Karl Wilhelm Bizzozero, who recognized their importance in coagulation. The understanding of thrombocytes has significantly advanced since then, particularly with the advent of modern microscopy and hematology, leading to a deeper understanding of their functions in hemostasis and wound healing.