What are the smallest formed elements found in blood?

Platelets are the smallest formed elements found in blood. They are crucial for the coagulation process, helping to stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in damaged blood vessels. Platelets are actually cell fragments derived from larger cells called megakaryocytes, which are located in the bone marrow.

In contrast, red blood cells and white blood cells are much larger in size. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body, while white blood cells play a vital role in the immune response and defending the body against infection. Plasma cells, which are derived from B cells, are involved in producing antibodies; however, they are also larger than platelets. Therefore, considering their size and function in the blood, platelets stand out as the smallest formed elements.