1. Blood Clotting The Coagulation Process

2. What is Blood? Blood is a fluid that carries nutrients, gases, and wastes through the body. The blood consists of these components: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen to the whole body.

3. What is Blood Clotting? When you cut your finger, capillaries are perforated and blood begins to seep out. Blood coagulation has to occur in order to stop blood from coming out to prevent more serious injury or death. Being able to form blood clots is vital for survival.

4. Coagulation Process When a blood carrying vessel is perforated or torn collagen fibers and other tissues are exposed and the vessel constricts decreasing blood flow to the injury. When these tissues are exposed the enzyme thrombin is released. Thrombin activates the clotting factor in platelets causing them to become sticky.

5. Coagulation Process The platelets begin to stick together at the wound site binding to the exposed fibers. Platelets release several chemicals and change their shape to fit the formation of the plug. Then, a fibrin mesh forms and insures the clot will stay. Finally, the blood clot must dissolve in order to restore normal blood flow to the vessel.

7. Works Cited King, Michael. "Blood Coagulation". UI School Of Medicine. October 3, 2009. Moake, Joel. "Introduction: Bleeding and Clotting Disorders". Merks Manuals. October 23, 2009.