Erythrocyte Pillows

Bone marrow stem cell. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a stem cell from adult bone marrow in culture. Bone marrow is the tissue found in the hollow interior of bones. It makes several different types of cells, including white blood cells (leucocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes) and bone cells (osteocytes). Magnification: x4310 when printed 10 centimetres wide.

Blood cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of human blood showing red and white cells. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) have a characteristic biconcave-disc shape and are numerous. These large cells contain haemoglobin, a red pigment by which oxygen is transported around the body. They are more numerous than white blood cells, one of which is visible in this sample (white). White blood cells (leucocytes) are rounded cells with microvilli projections from the cell surface. Leucocytes play an important role in the immune response of the body. Magnification: x3,500 at 5x7cm size. x 7,750 at 6x4"

Blood clot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of red blood cells (erythrocytes) trapped in a fibrin mesh (brown). The production of fibrin is triggered by cells called platelets, activated when a blood vessel is damaged. The fibrin binds the various blood cells together, forming a solid structure called a blood clot. A blood clot is a normal response, preventing an excessive loss of blood. However, inappropriate clotting is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Red blood cells and platelets. Coloured scanning electon micrograph (SEM) of human erythrocytes (red blood cells) and a platelet aggregate (blue). Platelets are fragments of white blood cells that under normal circumstances are small and biconcave in form. However, if there is a break in the surface of a blood vessel the platelets come into contact with molecules they are not used to and become activated. They become amorphous in form, with long projections (pseudopodia) that help them adhere to other cells and each other, forming a clot. Magnification: x4000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.

Red blood cells and platelets. Coloured scanning electon micrograph (SEM) of human erythrocytes (red blood cells) and a platelet aggregate (blue). Platelets are fragments of white blood cells that under normal circumstances are small and biconcave in form. However, if there is a break in the surface of a blood vessel the platelets come into contact with molecules they are not used to and become activated. They become amorphous in form, with long projections (pseudopodia) that help them adhere to other cells and each other, forming a clot. Magnification: x3000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.

Micro-syringe machine with red blood cells in the body, conceptual computer artwork. Microscopic machines such as these may be used in the future to inject drugs at particular sites, or to obtain samples for tests. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues, fuelling the metabolism of body cells. They also transport carbon dioxide (a gaseous product of respiration) back to the lungs for exhalation. The gases are bound by haemoglobin, a pigmented protein that is contained in the red blood cells. There are trillions of red blood cells in the blood. They last for about 120 days and are each around 7 micrometres across.

working hard to deliver everithing your cells need!

Get your oxygen fix with this cute cartoon red blood cell! Perfect for medical professionals, biology buffs, and anyone in need of a healthy dose of art.