Term
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Definition
| Hemostasis is the natural process that stops blood loss when an injury occurs.It involves three steps: (1) vascular spasm (vasoconstriction); (2) platelet plug formation; and (3) coagulation. |
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Term
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Definition
| Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty material inside your arteries |
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Term
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Definition
| Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. |
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Term
| Describe the first step of haemostasis: vasoconstriction |
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Definition
Smooth muscle cells spasm & constrict the vessel
Reduction in blood flow for approx 30 min |
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Term
| Describe the second step of haemostasis: platelet plug |
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Definition
When collagen is exposed in the damaged vascular wall circulating platelets rapidly adhere
These platelets become sticky, irregular in shape and swell, causing a platelet plug formation
The ‘activated’ platelets degranulate releasing a variety of substances that stimulates further platelet activation and haemostasis |
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Term
| Describe the third step of haemostasis: coagulation |
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Definition
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