Now Playing: Clotting Mechanism
When a blood vessel is damaged, a mechanism called clotting is triggered. The body's ability to form blood clots is a normal, protective process. Clotting in an unbroken vessel is
called thrombosis. We will examine this process.
Normal Blood Flow
Blood is made up of a variety of cells in a fluid called plasma. Each blood element has a function. Red blood cells, for example, carry oxygen;
white blood cells protect the body against foreign substances; platelets are necessary for clotting. The inner lining of healthy blood vessels is smooth,
permitting blood to flow freely. When blood vessels are damaged, however, blood flow can be impeded by a process known as clotting. Once the damage has been
repaired clots dissolve. It is important that the body has a healthy balance between making clots and dissolving clots.
Cause of Clotting
Platelets begin to stick to the damaged wall. Then a web-like mesh of fibrin grows to hold the platelets in place and trap more platelets. This is thrombosis. Over
time the clot may enlarge to the point of blocking blood flow, cutting of vital nutrients to the areas of the body that are supplied by the vessel.
Clotting Overview
Platelets begin to stick to the damaged wall. Then a web-like mesh of fibrin grows to hold the platelets in place and trap more platelets. This is thrombosis.
Over time the clot may enlarge to the point of blocking blood flow, cutting off vital nutrients to areas of the body that are supplied by the vessel.
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