key term - Coagulation

Definition

Coagulation is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. This mechanism helps stop bleeding when blood vessels are injured.

Related terms

Platelets:

Cell fragments in the blood that play a key role in forming clots by clumping together at the site of a vessel injury.

Fibrin:

A protein that forms a mesh-like structure, acting as the final step in coagulation to stabilize the clot.

Hemophilia:

A genetic disorder where the blood's ability to clot is severely reduced, causing severe bleeding from even slight injuries