We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Thrombocyte?

By A. Gabrenas
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 38,914
Share

A thrombocyte is a piece of a larger cell called a megakaryocyte. Thromboyctes, also called platelets, are found in the blood. In general, its main purpose is to help blood clot when necessary, such as when a cut in the skin occurs. There are several types of platelet disorders that can affect the blood’s ability to clot when needed.

The production of platelets is generally controlled by the liver and bone marrow. When more thrombocytes are needed in the body, the liver produces a hormone called thrombopoietin that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more megokaryocytes, which can then be broken up into hundreds of smaller platelet pieces. In general, a platelet only lives in the body for about seven to ten days, at which point it is usually destroyed by the spleen.

One of the primary roles of thrombocytes is to help blood clot. Platelets are suited to this function well because these typically have sticky proteins on the outer surfaces and the ability to stretch and change shape. This means that when it comes in contact with broken blood vessels, the sticky proteins are usually able to attach to the cells in the broken vessel walls and to other platelets. Together, these platelets usually then bend and stretch to form a plug in the broken vessel. This process can happen both inside the body, such as to help stop internal bleeding, and outside the body, such as to help stop bleeding from a cut.

There are several types of thrombocyte disorders that can affect the blood’s ability to form clots. These disorders generally fall into three main categories: having too few or too many platelets, or having thrombocytes that don’t work the way they are supposed to. Low levels of thrombocytes, also called thrombocytopenia, may be caused by problems such as an abnormal immune system response, a drug transfusion or a side effect of certain medication. High levels of thrombocytes, also called thrombocythemia, can be cause by problems such as a change in the way stem cells in the bone marrow work. The presence of platelets in the body that don’t work properly can be caused by genetic disorders, such as von Willebrand’s disease, or by certain medications, such as aspirin.

In general, no matter what the cause or type of platelet disorder, many of the same symptoms may be seen due to the similar changes in blood clotting the disorders cause. Such symptoms may include, for example, extensive bruising caused by minor injuries, bleeding from cuts that won’t stop and bleeding from delicate body tissues, such as the gums. Serious problems caused by platelet disorders can also be similar and include potentially fatal blood loss and bleeding into the brain.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By tmacsgirl — On Jul 12, 2010

Over-medication with drugs that are designed to treat thrombocytopenia can result in thrombocytosis, a condition that causes an abnormally high platelet count in the blood. Beware of overusing the drugs eltrombopag and romiplostism in particular to avoid thrombocytosis.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-thrombocyte.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.