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HistologyTypes of tissuesConnective tissueThrombocyte
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HistologyTypes of tissuesConnective tissueThrombocyte

Thrombocyte

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: March 04, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Blood [15:56]
Microscopic appearance of the blood.
Thrombocyte
Thrombocytus
Synonyms: Platelet

Thrombocytes, more commonly known as platelets, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments found throughout the blood and spleen.

Because they do not contain a nucleus or organelles, they are not considered to be true cells. Rather, they are cell fragments generated from large progenitor cells found in bone marrow known as megakaryocytes. At only 2-4 micrometers in diameter, they are significantly smaller than any other cellular structures in the blood.

Functionally, thrombocytes play an essential role in hemostasis. They form clots in response to tears in blood vessels by triggering the release of a series of coagulation factors such as fibrinogen.

Terminology English: Thrombocyte
Latin: Thrombocytus
Definition Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are specialized blood cells which function to controlling blood clotting.
Function Thrombocytes form clots in response to tears in blood vessels by triggering the release of a series of coagulation factors.

Learn more about the different components of blood in the following study unit:

Blood Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Ross, M. H. Pawlina, W. (2011). Histology : a text and atlas : with correlated cell and molecular biology (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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