SMi Source Lesson Cardiovascular: Platelet Biology

  • SMi Source lesson Cardiovascular: Platelet Biology has the following microlearning topics

    • 1. Introduction

    2. Overview: Hemostasis

    3. Vascular Spasms

    4. Platelet Plug Formation

    5. Activated Platelets

    6. Platelet Aggregation

    7. Coagulation: Phases

    8. Coagulation: Contact Activation Pathway

    9. Hemostasis

    10. Control of Hemostatic Pathways

    11. Clot Retraction and Vessel Repair

    12. Fibrinolysis

    13. Disorders of Hemostasis: Thromboembolic Conditions

    14. Disorders of Hemostasis: Abnormal Bleeding

    15. Atherothrombosis

    16. Platelet Receptor Physiology

    17. Measures of Platelet Aggregation

  • Lesson Cardiovascular: Platelet Biology teaches these concepts

    • Platelet Development Pathway, Thrombocytes, Thrombopoietin, Hematopoiesis, Megakaryocyte, Mitosis, Cytokinesis

    Platelets, Cytoplasmic Fragments, Megakaryocytes, Clotting, Clot Formation, Granules

    Platelets, Average Life Span, Platelet Count, Thrombocytopenia, Bleeding

  • Lesson Cardiovascular: Platelet Biology addresses these key points

    • Platelets:

    • Not cells, megakaryocytes – cell fragments
    • Essential for blood clotting process
    • Form a temporary plug
    • Have granules that contain an impressive array of chemicals that aid in clot formation

    Average Platelet Lifespan ≈ 9 days

    Platelets per μl human blood

    Normal Platelet Count: 150,000-450,000/μL

    Thrombocytopenia

    Mild bleeding risk

    Serious bleeding risk

    Bleeding risk may also occur with a normal platelet count if the platelets are not functioning properly.

  • Lesson Cardiovascular: Platelet Biology is built from these main references. Log into SMi Source for a complete list and details.

    • Vorchheimer DA and Becker R. Platelets in Atherothrombosis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81(1):59-68.

    Marieb EN. Human Anatomy and Physiology. 3rd ed. United States: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.; 1995:598

    Munker R, Hiller E, Glass J. Modern Hematology, Biology and Clinical Management, 2nd ed. United States: Humana Press. 2007:328

    National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Diseased and Conditions Index. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services and National Institutes of Health. Available at:  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/thcp/thcp_what.html

    Jakubowski JA. Platelet Physiology, Pathology, Antiplatelet Agents & Clinical Outcome. Internal Lilly ML Training Program. 3/2008.

  • Lesson Cardiovascular: Platelet Biology introduces and defines these terms

    • Thrombocytes: platelets.

    Thrombopoietin: hormone that regulates platelet formation.