Question

How are platelets formed? What is the function of platelets? What are the clinical consequences of the condition known as thrombocytopenia?

Answer 1

Platelets: They are a component of blood cells, which are basically very tiny. They help your body form clots to stop bleeding. If one of your blood vessels gets damaged, it sends out signals that are picked up by platelets. The platelets then rush to the site of damage and form a plug, or clot, to repair the damage.

Formation: Platelets are produced in the bone marrow. They are produced from very large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.nThe dominant hormone controlling megakaryocyte development is thrombopoietin.

Function: To prevent excessive blood loss from the body by clumping and clotting blood vessel injuries.

Thrombocytopenia: It is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of thrombocytes(platelets) in the blood. Clinical Consequences of Thrombocytopenia include an increased risk of bleeding.