megakaryocyte

A megakaryocyte is a large bone marrow cell responsible for producing platelets, which are tiny cell fragments that help blood clot and prevent bleeding. These cells develop from stem cells and undergo a process of growth and maturation, becoming very large with a multilobed nucleus. When mature, megakaryocytes extend parts of themselves into blood vessels within the bone marrow, releasing thousands of platelets into the bloodstream. They play a vital role in maintaining blood clotting and wound healing, functioning as the body's natural emergency response to injury.