Platelets are key players in hemostasis, the process by which the body seals a ruptured blood vessel and prevents further loss of blood. Although rupture of larger vessels usually requires medical int...Platelets are key players in hemostasis, the process by which the body seals a ruptured blood vessel and prevents further loss of blood. Although rupture of larger vessels usually requires medical intervention, hemostasis is quite effective in dealing with small, simple wounds. There are three steps to the process: vascular spasm, the formation of a platelet plug, and coagulation (blood clotting). Failure of any of these steps will result in hemorrhage—excessive bleeding.
This page discusses the coagulation process involved in stopping bleeding when blood vessels are damaged, highlighting the roles of platelets and thrombin. It details initiation via extrinsic and intr...This page discusses the coagulation process involved in stopping bleeding when blood vessels are damaged, highlighting the roles of platelets and thrombin. It details initiation via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways leading to clot formation and mentions disorders like hemophilia, which arise from clotting factor deficiencies. Treatments, including gene therapy and liver transplants, are noted.
