Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
In general, megakaryocytes are 10 to 15 times larger than a typical red blood cell, averaging 50–100 μm in diameter. During its maturation, the megakaryocyte grows in size and replicates its DNA without cytokinesis in a process called endomitosis. As a result, the nucleus of the megakaryocyte can become very large and lobulated, which, under ...
For example, "blast" forms of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and megakaryocytes start with an N:C ratio of 4:1, which decreases as they mature to 2:1 or even 1:1 (with exceptions for mature thrombocytes and erythrocytes, which are anuclear cells, and mature lymphocytes, which only decrease to a 3:1 ratio and often retain the original 4:1 ratio). [1]
Megakaryocytes are precursor cells that are highly specialized. Megakaryocytes give rise to 1,000 to 3,000 platelets. Megakaryocytes function in the process of Thrombopoiesis by producing platelets and releasing platelets into the bloodstream. [6] Megakaryocyte development is regulated mainly by thrombopoietin.
Megakaryoblasts tend to be smaller in size and lacking granules, though the larger cells may contain fine granules. [11] Compared to megakaryoblasts, promegakaryocytes and granular megakaryocytes are both larger and contain less basophilic cytoplasm with granules.
Low platelets and megakaryocytes lead a higher degree of thrombopoietin exposure to the undifferentiated bone marrow cells, leading to differentiation into megakaryocytes and further maturation of these cells. On the other hand, high platelet and megakaryocyte concentrations lead to more thrombopoetin destruction and thus less availability of ...
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are very small, irregularly shaped clear cell fragments, 2–3 μm in diameter, which derive from fragmentation of megakaryocytes. The average lifespan of a platelet is normally just 5 to 9 days. Platelets are a natural source of growth factors.
In severe thrombocytopenia, a bone marrow study can determine the number, size, and maturity of the megakaryocytes. This information may identify ineffective platelet production as the cause of thrombocytopenia and rule out a malignant disease process at the same time. [24]
Megakaryocytes (arrows) In terms of diagnosis Bernard–Soulier syndrome is characterized by prolonged bleeding time, thrombocytopenia, increased megakaryocytes, and enlarged platelets, Bernard–Soulier syndrome is associated with quantitative or qualitative defects of the platelet glycoprotein complex GPIb/V/IX. The degree of thrombocytopenia ...