| Platelets are the small circulating fragments of megakaryocytic cytoplasm that are crucial to the functioning of the coagulation system. Their cytoplasm contains alpha granules and dense granules that contain factors which, when released, aid in coagulation and recruit other platelets. Activated platelets are "sticky" to adhere to damaged vascular walls and to each other. The granules give the platelets the appearance of chocolate chip cookies. |