What is Haemostasis?

Haemostasis is the human bodys response to

blood vessel injury and bleeding. It involves a
co-ordinated effort between platelets,
endothelial cells, blood clotting factors including
tissue factor, which results in blood clot
formation.1 Achieving haemostasis helps control
blood loss and the release of growth factors.
Stages of Haemostasis
Primary Haemostasis
1. Vaso-constriction to minimise blood loss by reducing blood flow
to the site of damage.
2. Damaged endothelial cells locally activate platelets.
3. Platelet adhesion to damaged endothelium.
4. Adhered platelets activate other nearby platelets.
5. Activated platelets become sticky, fuse together with adhered
platelets, forming a platelet plug.
Secondary Haemostasis - Coagulation cascade
1. Activated platelets in the platelet plug trap red blood cells.
2. Fibrin strands form, strengthening the clot.
3. Ca2+ ions, also known as clotting factor IV, are essential in
several stages of the coagulation cascade.
4. Further factors released during coagulation cascade include
growth factors for tissue repair.