Activated and non-activated platelets, SEM

Activated and non-activated platelets on a blood vessel endothelia cell surface, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Note the channels of the open canalicular system (OCS). Platelets are blood cell fragments that play an essential role in blood clotting and wound repair, and can also activate certain immune responses. Platelets in the blood are small oval disks and are termed non-activated platelets or thrombocytes. They are the body's first line of defence against excessive blood loss. When an injury such as a cut is sustained, platelets (now known as activated platelets) change their shape, become sticky and build up on a vessel wall to form a plug. They are also involved in the secretion of a chemical platelet factors which helps produce threads of fibrin. Bloods cells collect in the entangled fibrin and platelet mass forming a blood clot at the site. Magnification: x3,000 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.