key term - Hemostasis

Definition

Hemostasis is the process by which the body stops bleeding at the site of an injury, involving blood vessel constriction, platelet plug formation, and blood clotting. It's a critical mechanism for preventing excessive blood loss and facilitating wound healing.

Related terms

Coagulation:

The stage in hemostasis where soluble fibrinogen is converted into insoluble fibrin threads that form the meshwork of a blood clot.

Platelets:

Small, disk-shaped cell fragments in the blood that play a key role in clotting by aggregating at the site of a vascular injury.

Vasoconstriction:

The constriction of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to an area, serving as one of the initial responses in the hemostatic process