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Platelets
Cytoplasmic fragments of megakaryocytes
Flattened discs; appear spindle-shaped in
blood smear
4m average diameter, 1m thick
No nucleus
Lifespan of 9 12 days then phagocytised
in spleen
Megakaryocytes. (A) & (B) immature cells. (C) mature cell producing platelets.
(Source: Battinelli et al. 2001).
Platelets
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Platelet Functions
Release chemicals important to the
clotting process
Formation of a temporary patch in the
walls of damaged blood vessels
Contraction after clot formation
HEMOSTASIS
Hemostasis
The process of blood halting
The arrest of bleeding from a broken blood
vessel and
The establishment of a framework for
tissue repair
Phases of Hemostasis
Vascular
Platelet
Coagulation
Hemostasis
The Vascular Phase
Vessel wall is cut
Contraction of smooth
muscle in vessel wall
Vascular Spasm
Hemostasis
The Vascular Phase (contd)
Endothelial cells of vessel:
Contract and expose basal lamina to blood
Release chemicals and hormones (Adenosine
Diphosphate <ADP>, tissue factor,
prostacyclin & endothelins)
Plasma membranes become sticky
Endothelial cell membranes on opposing
sides of the blood vessel stick together
Platelet Phase
Platelet Adhesion platelets stick to
endothelium, basal lamina and collagen
fibres
Platelet Aggregation platelets
accumulate at injury site and stick to each
other = Platelet Plug
Platelet Phase
Platelet Activation
Platelets become spherical and develop
cytoplasmic processes
Platelets produce various chemicals
Platelet Phase
Coagulation Phase
The Common Pathway
Factor X is activated and forms the
enzyme Prothrombinase
Prothrombinase converts Prothrombin to
Thrombin
Thrombin converts Fibrinogen to Fibrin
Coagulation Phase
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