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Activated (pink/purple) and non-activated platelets (orange) with channels of the open canalicular system (OCS). Platelets are cell fragments in the blood that play an essential role in blood clotting and wound repair. Platelets can also activate certain immune responses. Platelets are formed in the red bone marrow, lungs, and spleen by fragmentation of very large cells known as megakaryocytes. Platelets in the blood are small oval disks and are termed non-activated platelets or thrombocytes.
Image and text copyright © Dennis Kunkel. All rights reserved. |
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