The structure of resting and activated platelets

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

At first glance the platelet is a simple cell. However, its small size hides an extremely well conserved structure that is vital for its function in both hemostasis and vascular integrity and development. A combination of electron microscopy, light microscopy, biochemical and cell biology studies has, over the years, revealed this structure to us and allowed the important functions of the various organelles and subcellular components to be understood. This chapter reviews the structure of the resting platelet and discusses the dramatic and dynamic changes, especially in the cytoskeleton, that occur upon activation to allow platelets to carry out their primary function in hemostasis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPlatelets
Subtitle of host publicationFourth Edition
PublisherAcademic Press (Elsevier)
Chapter3
Number of pages62
Edition4
Publication statusAccepted/In press - Sept 2018

Keywords

  • plasma membrane
  • granules
  • open-canalicular system
  • dense tubular system
  • cytoskeleton
  • actin
  • microtubules
  • spectrin
  • shape changes
  • spreading

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The structure of resting and activated platelets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this