SEM Photograph - Red and White Blood Cell in Fibrinous Matrix - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing
This scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts red blood cells enmeshed in a fibrinous matrix. Magnified 7766x. The cell in the center displaying a knobby surface is a white blood cell, also known as a leukocyte. The red blood cell's (erythrocyte) donut-like shape increases the surface area of this hemoglobin-filled cell, thereby promoting a greater degree of gas exchange. In their adult phase, these cells possess no nucleus. The irregularly-shaped chunks of material are fibrin clumps which aid in the process of blood clot formation by trapping the red blood cells in a mesh-like latticework of proteinaceous strands. This action stabilizes and strengthens the clot in much the same way as rebar acts to strengthen and reinforce concrete. This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions. Content Provider: CDC/ Janice Carr.
