In: Operations Management
Describe the processes involved in hemostasis.
Hemostasis is the natural process which stops blood loss when an injury occurs. This process includes four steps : vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, coagulation and fibrosis and fibrinolysis. In the first step vascular spasm, the constriction of the blood vessel that is torn starts immediately to make sure minimal blood loss. The damaged vessels will constrict which reduces the blood flow through the area and limits the blood loss. This response is triggered with the help of factors like direct injury to vascular smooth muscle, chemical release by platelets and endothelial cells & reflexes began with local pain receptors. The second step is the platelet phase where the formation of the platelet plug occurs. As platelets collect, they continuously release chemicals from their granules to plasma and that further contributes to hemostasis. A platelet plug an temporarily seal a small opening in the blood vessel. The thirds step is coagulation. In this phase the formation of blood clot occurs and tightly secured. The final step is fibrosis and fibrinolysis. once after the clot is formed , the blood vessels will slowly heal. The lot may dissolve or form a scar.