Platelets (Exam 1) Flashcards

1
Q

How large or small are platelets?

A

smaller than RBC ~3-4 um

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2
Q

What is another word for platelets?

A

thrombocytes

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3
Q

What is thrombocytopenia?

A

decreased number of platelets = more bleeding

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4
Q

What is thrombocytosis?

A

increased number of platelets = increased clotting

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5
Q

What is megakaryocyte?

A

platelet progenitor cell

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6
Q

What are characteristics of megakaryocyte?

A

mulit-nucleated and increases in size as it matures due to platelet production

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7
Q

What is the hematopoietic process of platelets?

A

megakaryoblast > promegakaryoblast > megakaryocyte > metamegakaryocyte > platelet

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8
Q

How are platelets released from the metamegakaryocyte?

A

metamegakaryocyte lyses

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9
Q

What are characteristics of platelets?

A

non-nucleated | involved in homeostasis | contains many granules

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10
Q

Lifespan of platelets?

A

10 days

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11
Q

What are bleeding problems caused by?

A

decreased number of platelets | abnormal function

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12
Q

What is thrombocytopenia? What causes it?

A

decrease in number of platelets | decrease survival span and decrease in production

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13
Q

What is the normal value of platelets?

A

150K - 300K uL

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14
Q

What range indicates abnormal bleeding problem?

A

< 30K per uL

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15
Q

What are the 3 differential diagnoses for a decreased survival of platelets?

A

autoimmune disorders | bacterial infection | hyperactive spleen

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16
Q

How do autoimmune diseases such as SLE decrease the lifespan of platelets?

A

production of Ab against platelets

17
Q

How can bacterial infections decrease the lifespan of platelets?

A

production of toxins that destroy platelets or make them stick to capillary walls = can’t circulate

18
Q

How does a hyperactive spleen decrease the lifespan of platelets?

A

removes platelets super fast (and RBCs)

19
Q

What are the 4 reasons why platelet production would be decreased?

A

viral/bacterial infection | excessive alcohol intake = cirrhosis = RBCs enlarge = ulcer | chemotherapy | malignancies

20
Q

What is thrombocytosis?

A

increase production of platelets

21
Q

What are the 5 causes of thrombocytosis?

A

abnormal platelet function | morphologically abnormal | bleeding problems | clumping of platelets when there is a lot of them | polycythemia vera

22
Q

What is Polycythemia Vera?

A

increase in RBC and platelet production

23
Q

What is a key symptom of Polycythemia Vera?

A

purpur

24
Q

What is purpur?

A

minute bleeding spots throughout body , doesn’t clot