Platelets are not produced by a gland; they are produced in the bone marrow.
Platelet Production in Bone Marrow
The process of platelet production, also known as thrombopoiesis, occurs within the bone marrow. Specifically, platelets are derived from large cells called megakaryocytes, which reside within the bone marrow.
- Megakaryocytes: These cells are responsible for producing platelets. They extend protrusions into the blood vessels of the bone marrow, and these protrusions fragment into platelets.
- Vascular Niche: Megakaryocytes are typically found near blood vessels, in what is referred to as the vascular niche, within the bone marrow, facilitating the release of platelets into circulation.
- Location: While megakaryocytes are distributed throughout the marrow, their proximity to blood vessels is crucial for efficient platelet delivery.
| Cell Type | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Megakaryocytes | Bone Marrow | Production and release of platelets |
| Platelets | Bloodstream | Blood clotting |
Therefore, rather than being produced by a gland, platelets originate from megakaryocytes within the bone marrow.
