Coagulation and Hemostasis

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to coagulation and hemostasis.

Plasma

Fluid rich in nutrients and cells that is transported throughout the body.

Serum

Fluid obtained when coagulated blood has been centrifuged; fibrinogen is absent.

Fibrinogen

The main substrate of the coagulation system that forms the primary structural protein of the fibrin clot.

Hemostasis

Arrest of bleeding by spontaneous formation of the hemostatic platelet plug.

Primary Hemostasis

Formation of a hemostatic plug through platelet adhesion, aggregation, and secretion.

Secondary Hemostasis

Activation of the coagulation cascade, resulting in fibrin mesh stabilization of the platelet plug.

Thrombocytes

Another name for platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.

Fibrinolysis

The process of breaking down fibrin in blood clots.

Anticoagulants

Substances that prevent blood clotting.

Procoagulants

Substances that promote blood clotting.

Thrombin

An enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin in the clotting process.

Endothelial Cells (ECs)

Cells that line blood vessels and have anticoagulant properties.

Tissue Factor (TF)

A protein that initiates the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Essential cofactor for many steps in the coagulation cascade.

Fibrin Clot

A stable clot formed from the aggregation of fibrin strands during coagulation.

Clot retraction

The process in which the platelet-fibrin mass contracts to firmly seal a wound.

D-dimer

A fibrin degradation product used as a marker for blood clotting disorders.