What Are Platelets and Why Are They Important? - Dr Pooja

 PLATELETS

-> Pieces of very large cells in Bone Marrow called Megakaryocyte.

-> Other name of platelets is Thrombocytes.

-> Platelets are blood cells that are derived from the Megakaryocyte of Bone Marrow.

-> Platelets help your blood clots to stop bleeding. If your blood vessels get damaged it sends signals to platelets. Then platelets adhere at the site of injury and form a plug (Clot) to fix the damage.

Normal Count:- 1.5-4 Lacks/µL

Thrombocytosis:- Increase in number of platelets 

          Causes:-> Due to infection.

Thrombocytopenia:- Decrease in the number of platelets.

Causes:    -> Alcohol

                 -> Bone Marrow Disease

                 -> Aplastic Anemia

                 -> Leukemia 

                 -> Lymphomas

                 -> Malaria

                 -> Dengue

Diagnosis:- Complete Blood Count (CBC).

Diagram:-