megakaryocyte
Quick Summary
A megakaryocyte is a large cell found primarily in the bone marrow. It is characterized by a lobulated nucleus and is the source of blood platelets. These platelets are small cellular fragments derived from the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes and are crucial for blood clotting. The formation of all blood cells, including platelets, is a continuous process that replenishes the blood supply as needed. Megakaryocytes play a vital role in this process by producing the platelets essential for hemostasis.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
bloodPlatelets (thrombocytes)…nucleus) of cells known as megakaryocytes, the largest cells of the marrow. Within the marrow the abundant granular cytoplasm of the megakaryocyte divides into many small segments that break off and are released as platelets into the circulating blood. After about 10 days in the circulation, platelets are removed and…
Read More…nucleus) of cells known as megakaryocytes, the largest cells of the marrow. Within the marrow the abundant granular cytoplasm of the megakaryocyte divides into many small segments that break off and are released as platelets into the circulating blood. After about 10 days in the circulation, platelets are removed and…
Read More
bleeding and blood clottingPlatelets and their aggregation…large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes and circulate in the blood in a resting, inactive form for an average of 10 days. The normal platelet count in humans is between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets per cubic millimetre of blood. The inactive platelet contains three types of internal granules: the alpha…
Read More…large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes and circulate in the blood in a resting, inactive form for an average of 10 days. The normal platelet count in humans is between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets per cubic millimetre of blood. The inactive platelet contains three types of internal granules: the alpha…
Read More