The physiology of hemostasis
Cristina Sierra, Maite Moreno, Juan C. García-Ruiz
Abstract
The breakdown of vascular integrity triggers a series of reactions, initially involving a vasoconstriction phenomenon that reduces blood loss and leads to platelet plug formation under changing flow conditions. Once the platelet plug has formed, the coagulation system is activated in order to allow the formation of fibrin, which anchors the platelet plug to the vessel breach. Finally, once the damage has resolved, the fibrin is eliminated through fibrinolysis. This article explains all these regulatory mechanisms.
Topics & Concepts
HemostasisVasoconstrictionPlateletCoagulationMedicineFibrinBlood flowPlatelet activationPlatelet aggregationCardiologyBlood vesselSpark plugPlatelet adhesivenessThrombinBlood lossMicrocirculationCirculatory systemAnesthesiaInternal medicineThromboelastographyHemodynamicsEndotheliumThrombosisPlatelet Disorders and TreatmentsTrauma, Hemostasis, Coagulopathy, ResuscitationAntiplatelet Therapy and Cardiovascular Diseases