PSC1002/L03 Haemostasis Flashcards
Define haemostasis.
The arrest of bleeding from a broken blood vessel from arterioles, venules and capillaries
Describe platelets.
Small cell fragments (anuclear) budded of edge of large bone marrow cells (megakaryocytes)
What is platelet and megakaryocyte production mediated by?
Thrombopoietin - hormone produced in liver and kidneys
Describe the process of thrombopoiesis. (3)
Haematopoietic stem cell differentiates into myeloid cell line
Megakaryoblast into megakaryocyte
Thrombopoietin stimulates MKC to extend arms through bone marrow sinusoids into blood vessels
How many platelets are produced each day?
10^11
How many platelets can a megakaryocyte produce in its lifetime?
1000-3000
Where are platelets stored and how are they released?
Spleen
Released by contraction of the spleen activated by SNS
How are platelets disposed of?
After 7-10 days, apoptosis and phagocytosed in liver and spleen
What is the role of the exterior platelet coat?
Rich in glycoproteins
Adhesion, aggregation and activation
What is the role of the platelet tubular system?
Site of thromboxane A2 synthesis and release
What is the role of alpha granules in platelets?
Contain clotting mediators
Including von Willebrand factor, V, VIII and fibrinogen
What is the role of delta (dense bodies) in platelets?
Contain ADP, Ca2+ and serotonin for activation and clotting
Name the 3 steps in haemostasis.
Vascular spasm
Formation of platelet plug
Blood coagulation
Describe vascular spasm (step 1 of haemostasis). (4)
Cut or tear in blood vessel
Damaged cells and platelets release vasoconstrictors
Constriction of smooth muscle layer
Minimises blood loss and pushes broken epithelium together
Describe platelet plug formation (step 2 of haemostasis). (2)
Adhesion, activation and aggregation
Platelets stick together using vWF
Where is von Willebrand’s factor synthesised?
Endothelial cells and platelets
Give 3 functions of the platelet plug.
Compaction/strengthening
Further vasoconstriction
Stimulation of the clotting cascade
What is the role of prostaglandin 2? Where is it synthesised?
Limits platelet plug to damaged region
Inhibits platelet aggregation
In normal blood vessel lining