The popular manga "Cells at Work" was adapted into an anime in July 2018. Since the anime began, the "platelets" that appear in the story have been gaining praise for being "too cute!!" It seems that many people have been captivated by the way they work so hard with their tiny bodies.
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Despite their small size, when there's an abrasion or other wound inside the body, they rush together and diligently close the wound, demonstrating their professionalism.
This time, we'll summarize the charms and characteristics of platelets, who are incredibly useful despite their tiny bodies.
1. Basic Information about Platelets
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Platelets' role in the body is to gather together and seal wounds when blood vessels are damaged. In the anime, characters appear to look like they're in the lower grades of elementary school, and this character design is apparently due to the fact that platelets are smaller than typical cells.
They work in matching uniforms
Source: Cells at Work © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Platelets wear hats with "Platelets" written on them, oversized T-shirts, shorts, and boots. All platelets wear this outfit, making them instantly recognizable.
Introducing Platelets' Work Tools
Source: Cells at Work © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Platelets are responsible for sealing wounds and other wounds, and they use a few familiar items to accomplish this task. Here, we'll introduce the platelets' work tools.
Work Item ①: Febrin
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Febrin is a protein involved in blood clotting. In the series, it has a net-like appearance and is carried around by platelets to seal abrasions. The membrane of this fibrin net allows platelets to form blood clots.
Work Item ②: Clotting Factor
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Clothing factors are items possessed by platelets and used to connect fibrin. By using them to connect the fibrin web, they create a blood clot that seals wounds.
Work Item ③: GP1B
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
This is what platelets carry on their backs when sealing wounds. Going into detail about GP1B would be complicated, but in "Cells at Work" terms, it's supposed to prevent platelets from being expelled from the body through the wound. There is a scene in the film where a warning is given to use the GP1B properly to avoid being blown away by a scratch.
2. Platelet Snippets
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Platelets played a major role in the anime's second episode, "Abrasions." The white blood cells struggled as a large number of bacteria invaded through the wound, but the platelets turned the situation around by forming blood clots and preventing the bacteria from entering. Although platelets are not generally involved in fighting bacteria or viruses, they play a major role in situations like these.
3. About the Characteristics of Platelets
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Next, let's summarize the characteristics of platelets as seen in the story. Platelets don't appear in many scenes, but those who have fallen in love with their cuteness can't wait for their next appearance.
He's well-organized and coordinated in group activities
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Although he looks like an elementary school student, he always works in groups and is able to act with impressive leadership and unity when working. Before and during work, they never fail to remind others, and work steadily together in perfect harmony. Despite their cute faces, platelets are professionals when it comes to their work.
Healing the Cells in the Body
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Platelets work hard despite their tiny bodies. Watching them carry loads larger than their own bodies and play with other cells is healing for our cells. They're also adorable creatures that heal cells.
Using Other Blood Cells in Secondary Clots
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
After creating a clot using febrin and other substances, a secondary clot is created using nearby blood cells. This dries to form a scab, and during this process, platelets entrain nearby red blood cells and other substances, adding them to the secondary clot. Although they have a cute face, they can sometimes be quite forceful.
4. A Summary of Platelet Appeal
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
While platelets possess these unique characteristics, here we'll summarize what makes them so appealing to viewers of the "Cells at Work!" anime. We'll focus on the appealing aspects that will resonate with you.
The Charm of Platelets: Their Hard Work Is Adorable
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
In addition to their hard work in repairing blood vessels, many fans find the hard work of platelets adorable. Their struggles, such as trying to fix traffic in order to repair blood vessels, delaying construction work because of their small bodies, or being unable to unload cargo, are also adorable.
The Charm of Platelets: Their Little Sister-Like Presence in the Body
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
When platelets meet in the body, they greet each other with a cheerful "Hello!" and "Thank you for your hard work!" Just seeing this is soothing for the other cells. Furthermore, in times of peace, they have a charm that makes you want to help them out, such as when they play with the white blood cells or serve them "chibetai tea" when they suffer from heatstroke.
The platelets are such a soothing character that they are like little sisters who capture the hearts of those who watch, which is another part of their charm.
The Charm of Platelets: They're Reliable in Times of Need
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Platelets usually have a childlike, cute side, but they're also reliable in times of need. When he got a scrape, a large amount of bacteria invaded his body from outside, causing the white blood cells to struggle, but the platelets were able to close the wound and turn the situation around.
Platelets usually heal everyone, but many people seem to find it fascinating that they can also play a major role in crucial moments.
Summary
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
This article summarizes the characteristics and appeal of platelets, which appear in "Cells at Work!". Platelets are a popular character that has generated a lot of buzz in the anime, and their upcoming appearances will surely be attracting a lot of attention.
