Coagulation is also known as clotting which is the 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. The mechanism of coagulation involves activation, adhesion and aggregation of platelets, as well as deposition and maturation of fibrin.
Coagulation begins almost instantly after an injury to the blood vessel has damaged the endothelium lining the blood vessel. 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 cross-linked fibrin formation. Platelets immediately form a plug at the site of injury; this is called primary hemostasis. Secondary hemostasis occurs simultaneously: additional coagulation (clotting) factors beyond factor VII respond in a cascade to form fibrin strands, which strengthen the platelet plug.
Disorders of coagulation are disease states which can result in hemorrhage, bruising, or thrombosis.
Coagulation is highly conserved throughout biology. In all mammals, coagulation involves both a cellular (platelet) and a protein (coagulation factor) component.The system in humans has been the most extensively researched and is the best understood.
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Endocrinology & Metabolic Syndrome
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases