Megakaryocyte

Megakaryocyte (megacaryocytus; mega- + Greek karyon nucleus + hist. cytus cell) is a very large bone marrow cell from which platelets (blood platelets) are formed.

Megakaryocytes are the largest cells in the bone marrow; their size can reach 100 microns. A distinctive feature of megakaryocytes is the presence of multinucleation - one such cell can contain up to 64 nuclei.

During the process of maturation, megakaryocytes increase in size, their nuclei undergo polyploidization (doubling the number of chromosomes). Then fragmentation of the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes occurs with the formation of platelets, which enter the bloodstream.

Thus, megakaryocytes play an important role in the process of thrombocytopoiesis, ensuring renewal of the platelet pool in the body. Disturbances in the development and functioning of megakaryocytes can lead to thrombocytopenia and other serious diseases of the hemostatic system.

Megakaryocytes: Larger than normal blood cells Megakaryocytes are specific blood cells that play an important role in the process of blood clots. They are formed in the bone marrow and then mature in the spleen and liver. When they reach their maturity, they return to the bloodstream and are transported in capillaries to all tissues of the body. Here they become part of plasmatic processes and form blood clots during injury or inflammation.

Megakaryocytosis is a term used to describe an increase in the number of megakaryocytes in the blood. This occurs as a result of increased hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, as well as in diseases when the number of megakaryocytes increases. One of the most common cases of megakaryocyte is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a disease that causes the destruction of platelets and leads to bleeding.

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