Serotonin Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Serotonin and links to relevant pages within the course.
Learn more about laboratory continuing education for medical technologists to earn CE credit for AMT, ASCP, NCA, and state license renewal and recertification. Or get information about laboratory safety and compliance courses that deliver cost-effective OSHA safety training and continuing education to your laboratory's employees.
| Match functions with cell: | View Page |
| Each of the following has been shown to induce platelet aggregation except: | View Page |
| We know that hemostatic events are triggered by a break in the inert epithelial lining of the vasculature, but what specific product(s) act as initiators? | View Page |
| Primary Hemostasis – The Vascular System & Platelet Involvement As discussed earlier, a break in the vessel endothelium leads to exposure of collagen and the vessel's subendothelial surface. Ruptured endothelial cells leak ADP and Serotonin, which are the chemical triggers that induce platelet adhesion, the next step in the sequence of hemostatic events. Circulating platelets are drawn to the area by those liberated chemical signals, and begin to physically attach themselves to the rough, damaged surfaces of the breach. As platelets continue to arrive and bind to the exposed collagen and basement membrane, a rudimentary barrier begins to form, as the platelets themselves serve to fill in the breached vessel wall. Platelets possess an inherent “sticky” property which enables them to adhere to one another, and not just to the damaged vessel endothelium. The process by which platelets bind to one another is referred to as platelet aggregation, and is vital because it allows for a platelet plug to be formed. The platelet plug is the structure responsible for plugging the hole in the vessel wall. | View Page |
| Primary Hemostasis – Platelet Kinetics Kinetic Processes Specific to Platelets. Adhesion – When platelets adhere to exposed collagen, they take on a characteristic “spiny” shape. Their inherent stickiness, and the aforementioned spiny shape serve to compliment each other during this process. Von Willebrands Factor (vWF) is absorbed by surface receptors on both the platelet and exposed subendothelial tissue, thereby linking the platelets to the tissue. Release – This process occurs prior to aggregation. Platelets dump the contents of their granules (ADP, Serotonin, & Calcium), which aids the upcoming aggregation process by acting as a chemical signal. Aggregation – Platelets physically bind to each other, not just to the exposed subendothelial walls and collagen of the breached vessel. Platelet aggregation requires sufficient chemical signal stimulation. Stabilization (technically part of secondary hemostasis as fibrin is a product of secondary hemostasis)– This process strengthens the platelet plug with the addition of interwoven fibrin strands, ultimately producing a fibrin clot. The durable fibrin clot is the ultimate goal of hemostatic processes. | View Page |
| All of the following statements describe a method by which platelets aid coagulation EXCEPT: | View Page |
| Platelet Function Platelets function both mechanically and biochemically in the process of hemostasis. When injury to a blood vessel occurs, platelets aggregate forming a plug which helps to stop the flow of blood. They release certain substances, among them serotonin and Platelet Factor 3. Serotonin causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict, thereby further stopping the flow of blood. Platelet Factor 3 catalyzes the coagulation reaction whereby a fibrin clot is formed, completing the seal. Platelets also maintain the integrity (leak-free) state of blood vessels.
| View Page |
| Glossary of Terms N through Z. N:C Ratio - Nuclear: cytoplasmic Ratio - The ratio of nuclear volume to cytoplasmic volume within any one cell.Neoplasm - Any new and abnormal growth, such as a tumor.Neutrophilic Granules - Specific granules present in the cytoplasm of neutrophils. These granules resemble pencil stippling and stain a lilac color due to their affinity for both basic and acid dyes.Phagocyte - Any cell that ingests microorganisms or other cells and foreign particles.Phagocytosis - The ingestion and destruction of microorganisms or other foreign particles.Plasma - The fluid portion of blood in which the various blood cells are suspended.PF3 (platelet Factor 3) - A lipoprotein component of the platelet membrane; functions as a surface catalyst during blood coagulation.Pseudopod - A temporary protrusion of the cytoplasm of a cell.Refractile - Capable of refracting or changing the direction of light.Senescence - The process or condition of growing old.Serotonin - A constituent of blood platelets and other cells and organs; induces constriction of the blood vessels.Specific Granules - Granules found in cells of the more mature stages of the granulocytic series. They have distinct staining reactions which differ with each type of granulocyte.T-cell - Thymus derived lymphocyte which mediates cellular immunity.Thrombocyte (Platelet) - A circular or oval disk found in the blood; concerned with hemostasis.Thymus - A ductless gland-like body situated in the anterior mediastinal cavity; reaches its maximum development during the early years of childhood.Vacuole - Any small space or cavity formed in the cytotoplasm of a cell. | View Page |