The clotting process can be broken down into several key phases:
Vasoconstriction: The blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow to the injured area. Platelet Plug Formation: Platelets adhere to the site of injury, forming a temporary plug. Coagulation Cascade: A series of enzymatic reactions lead to the formation of fibrin, which stabilizes the platelet plug into a solid clot. Clot Retraction: The clot contracts to reduce its size and bring the wound edges closer together. Clot Removal: After the vessel is healed, the clot is dissolved by the process of fibrinolysis.
