Schistocyte (or schizocyte)

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Schistocytes (sometimes called schizocytes, the derivation is exactly the same, it means split cell) are fragments of erythrocytes which have been mechanically damaged. In nature this happens when they get pushed through blood clots. Clots contain thick protein strands and these can act like a grater as the erythrocytes get forced through by the blood pressure. An additional, modern cause can be artificial, mechanical heart valves. They have no set shape and are typically recognised as damaged by macrophages in the spleen whcih remove them from circulation.