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Related Concept Videos

Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
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Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
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Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
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The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

In Situ Exploration of Murine Megakaryopoiesis using Transmission Electron Microscopy
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Published on: September 8, 2021

Apoptotic processes in megakaryocytes and platelets.

Michael J White1, Benjamin T Kile

  • 1Molecular Medicine Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Seminars in Hematology
|July 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Apoptosis regulates megakaryocyte and platelet survival and function. This review explores how programmed cell death pathways impact megakaryocyte development, platelet production, and roles in hemostasis and thrombosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Most mammalian cells undergo apoptosis, a programmed cell death process.
  • Specific apoptotic pathways regulate cell turnover in various lineages.
  • The megakaryocyte lineage exhibits unique apoptotic dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of apoptosis in megakaryocyte development and platelet production.
  • To discuss the involvement of apoptotic pathways in platelet survival and function.
  • To highlight the implications of apoptosis in hemostasis and thrombosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on apoptosis in megakaryocytes and platelets.
  • Analysis of research on various insults inducing megakaryocyte apoptosis.
  • Examination of evidence linking apoptotic machinery to platelet activation.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis is implicated in both the death and development of megakaryocytes.
  • Platelets possess functional apoptotic pathways affecting their survival.
  • Apoptotic proteins may play a role in platelet activation, hemostasis, and thrombosis.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis is a critical regulator of megakaryocyte and platelet biology.
  • Understanding these pathways offers insights into platelet function and related disorders.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex role of apoptosis in this lineage.