Haemostasis

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Haemostasis

Haemostasis (pronounced: hee-mo-stay-sis) is a complex process which causes the bleeding to stop, preventing the loss of blood from a damaged vessel. It is the first stage of wound healing. This involves coagulation, blood changing from a liquid to a gel.

Etymology

The term "Haemostasis" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood" and "stasis" meaning "stopping".

Process

Haemostasis involves three basic steps: vasoconstriction, temporary blockage of a break by a platelet plug, and blood coagulation, or formation of a fibrin clot. These processes seal the hole until tissues are repaired.

Vasoconstriction

Vasoconstriction is the body's first response to a break in the vessel wall. It reduces blood flow to the area and therefore limits the loss of blood.

Platelet plug formation

Platelets, a type of blood cell, stick to the lining of the damaged vessel, forming a temporary seal to cover the break in the vessel wall.

Coagulation

Coagulation involves a complex cascade of chemical reactions, leading to the formation of a fibrin clot. This clot strengthens the platelet plug and permanently seals the break in the vessel wall.

Related Terms

  • Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
  • Fibrin: A protein involved in the clotting of blood.
  • Platelet: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding.
  • Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels.

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