Platelets Production and Function

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on platelet production and function, essential for understanding hemostasis and coagulation processes.

Platelet

A small cell that plays a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing.

Primary Hemostasis

The initial response to blood vessel injury involving the formation of a platelet plug.

Megakaryocyte

A large bone marrow cell that gives rise to platelets through a process called megakaryopoiesis.

Thrombopoietin

A cytokine that stimulates the production of megakaryocytes and platelets.

Fibrin Clot

A meshwork formed from fibrin that stabilizes the platelet plug to stop bleeding.

Subendothelium

The layer of tissue beneath the endothelium that becomes exposed when blood vessels are damaged.

Vasoconstriction

The process of narrowing blood vessels to reduce blood flow following an injury.

Collagen

A protein that is exposed upon injury to blood vessels, promoting platelet adhesion.

Activating Platelets

The process by which platelets adhere, change shape, and aggregate in response to vascular injury.

Granule Release

The secretion of substances from platelets that promote aggregation and clotting.

Thromboxane A2

A molecule produced by activated platelets that promotes vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation.

Anticoagulant Functions

Mechanisms in the body that prevent excessive blood coagulation.

Bernard-Soulier Syndrome

A genetic disorder resulting in a deficiency of glycoprotein Ib, affecting platelet adhesion.

Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia

A genetic condition caused by a deficiency of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, leading to impaired platelet aggregation.

Fibrinolysis

The process of breaking down fibrin in blood clots to restore normal blood flow.

Platelet Activation

A process initiated by platelet adherence to exposed collagen and vW factor, leading to shape change and aggregation.

Open Canalicular System

An extensive system of internal membrane tunnels in platelets that facilitates granule release.

PFA-100

A test that assesses platelet function and sensitivity to von Willebrand factor.

Shape Change

The transformation of platelets into a more active form that enhances their ability to aggregate.

Coagulation Cascade

A series of events involving clotting factors that lead to blood coagulation.

Platelet Factor IV

A protein released by activated platelets that plays a role in blood coagulation.