Blood Clot Formation
Blood clotting normally occurs when there is damage to a blood vessel. Platelets, which come from white blood cell fragments, immediately begin to adhere to the cut edges of the vessel and release chemicals to attract even more platelets. A platelet plug is formed, and the external bleeding stops. Next, small molecules, called clotting factors, cause strands of blood-borne materials, called fibrin, to stick together and seal the inside of the wound. Eventually, the cut blood vessel heals and the blood clot dissolves after a few days.
Related Images
• Blood Clots
• Meningococcemia Associated Purpura
• Meningococcemia on the Calves
• Meningococcemia on the Leg
Related Articles
• Acquired Platelet Function Defect
• Congenital Platelet Function Defects
• Congenital Protein C or S Deficiency
• DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)
• Drug-Induced Nonimmune Thrombocytopenia
• Factor II Deficiency
• Factor V Deficiency
• Factor VII Deficiency
• Factor X Deficiency
• Primary or Secondary Fibrinolysis
• Von Willebrand's Disease
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Review Date : 11/4/2002
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
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