Platelet Morphology and Biochemistry

Blood platelets have a discoid form in their resting state. A circumferential band of microtubules support this shape. This characteristic shape facilitates their movement in foe circulating blood at foe periphery of foe flow close to the vessel wall (Fig. 1). 

The surfece-cormected open canalicular system (OCS) provides access to the interior for plasma-bome substances and it serves as a conduit for products secreted during the release reaction (Fig. 3). 

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