Megakaryocyte

Definition

A megakaryocyte is a large bone marrow cell responsible for the production of blood thrombocytes (platelets), which are crucial for blood clotting. These cells undergo a process called endomitosis, where they replicate their DNA without cell division, leading to an increase in cell size and nuclear content.

Related terms

Platelets:

Small, disk-shaped cell fragments in the blood that are essential for wound healing and blood clotting.

Hemostasis:

The process by which bleeding is stopped via the constriction of blood vessels and formation of blood clots.

Bone marrow: A soft tissue inside bones that produces different types of blood cells including red cells, white cells, and platelets