dictionary help| platelet | medical dictionary |
<haematology> A discoid cell (3m diameter) found in large numbers in blood, important for blood coagulation and for haemostasis by repairing breaches (small breaks) in the walls of blood vessels.
Platelet _ granules contain lysosomal enzymes, dense granules contain ADP (a potent platelet aggregating factor) and serotonin (a vasoactive amine). They also release platelet-derived growth factor which presumably contributes to later repair processes by stimulating fibroblast proliferation.
Synonyms: thrombocytes.
(09 Oct 1997)
plateau phase, plateau pulse, Plateau-Talbot law, plate-gilled < Prev | Next > platelet-activating factor, platelet activation
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