Platelets are not technically part of the immune system - which system are they part of? How could they be said to be part of the immune system?

What size are platelets?

Which cells are platelets derived from?

What is the lifespan of platelets in the peripheral circulation?

What are the two types of granules that platelets contain?

What is contained in the alpha granules of platelets?

What is contained in the dense granules of platelets?

What attracts platelets to a wound?

What does the adherence of platelets to the subendothelial connective tissue form?

Three surface membrane receptors on platelets are critical for their adherence in the formation of the primary haemostatic plug. What are these and what do they bind to?

When might a primary haemostatic plug be sufficient on its own?

What does the secondary haemostatic plug form as a result of?

Which chemicals are released from dense bodies which are important in the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation?

Which receptor is expressed on platelets once they are activated that is critical in their adhesion?

What shape are platelets before activation? What intracellular molecules/structures maintain this?

What happens to platelet structure on activation?

How does the platelet plug contract?

What converts fibrinogen to fibrin to stabilise the secondary haemostatic plug and also further enhances platelet activity?

Which vasodilator do platelets produce?