Blood coagulation

Blood Coagulation

Blood coagulation (pronunciation: /ˈblʌd koʊˌæɡjʊˈleɪʃən/), also known as clotting, is a complex process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. It potentially results in hemostasis, the cessation of blood loss from a damaged vessel, followed by repair.

Etymology

The term "coagulation" comes from the Latin "coagulare," meaning "to curdle". "Blood" is derived from the Old English "blod".

Process

The coagulation process involves a series of reactions, leading to the conversion of fibrinogen, a soluble protein, into long, sticky strands of fibrin that form the bulk of a clot. This process is regulated by various coagulation factors.

Initiation

Coagulation is initiated almost instantly after an injury to the blood vessel has damaged the endothelium lining. Exposure of blood to the subendothelial space initiates two processes: changes in platelets, and the exposure of subendothelial tissue factor to plasma factor VII, which ultimately leads to fibrin formation.

Amplification

Platelets adhere to the site of injury, become activated, and release cytoplasmic granules that contain factors to promote further platelet activation and recruitment, and coagulation factor activation.

Propagation

Large amounts of thrombin are generated on the surface of activated platelets, leading to the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. The fibrin strands then adhere to the platelets, creating a mesh that makes up the bulk of the clot.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Blood coagulation
Wikipedia's article - Blood coagulation

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Blood coagulation