Blood platelets are tiny, disc-shaped cells that play a critical role in the body’s clotting system. They are also known as thrombocytes and are produced in the bone marrow. Blood platelets are essential in preventing excessive bleeding and maintaining the integrity of blood vessels.
Definitions
Blood platelets are defined as small, colorless cell fragments that circulate in the blood and are involved in the clotting process. They are one of the three formed elements of blood, along with red and white blood cells.
Origin
Blood platelets are formed in the bone marrow from megakaryocytes, which are large cells that reside in the bone marrow. Megakaryocytes release small, disc-shaped fragments called platelets into the bloodstream.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blood platelets are defined as “minute, colorless, disk-shaped bodies of mammalian blood that aid in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines blood platelets as “small, disc-shaped fragments of cytoplasm that circulate in the blood and are involved in the clotting process.”
Associations
Blood platelets are associated with the clotting system of the body. They play a vital role in the formation of blood clots, which help to prevent excessive bleeding.
Synonyms
Blood platelets are also known as thrombocytes.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for blood platelets.
The same root words
There are no root words for blood platelets.
Example Sentences
- The doctor ordered a blood test to check the patient’s platelet count.
- Blood platelets are essential in preventing excessive bleeding.
- The clotting process involves the activation and aggregation of blood platelets.
- Low platelet counts can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.