3 main processes that are involved in the hemostatic
response.
1. Vasoconstriction
2. Platelet aggregation - produces clot
3. Blood coagulation - produces clot.
1. Purpose of vasoconstriction
- Restricts blood flow through narrowed blood vessels
- It is the Fast response
- It also promotes platelet aggregation and blood
coagulation.
2. Purpose of platelet aggregation
- Results in the formation of a "platelet plug" aka "primary
hemostatic plug"
- Also very fast
- Platelet plug includes only platelets and a few cross linking
proteins (non-covalent)
- Stimulates vasoconstriction and blood coagulation.
3. Purpose of blood coagulation
- Results in the formation of a "secondary clot" of polymerized
blood protein
- Slower (seconds to minutes)
- It includes THE ENTIRE BLOOD VOLUME transformed from fluid to
gel
- Subsequent formation of covalent protein cross-links -->
mechanical strength