Question

Explain the process of blood clotting.

Answer 1

Blood clotting is also known as blood coagulation. It is a process in which the Liquid blood changes into a semi-solid form known as a clot.

The process of blood clotting prevents the excessive loss of blood.

The process of blood clotting occurs in a series of following steps:

1. The injured tissue cells and the platelets (thrombocytes) release thromboplastin.
2. Thromboplastin helps in the formation of the enzyme prothrombinase in the presence of Ca²⁺ ions.
3. Prothombinose inactivates heparin (anticoagulant) and also converts inactive prothrombin into active thrombin.
4. Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin in the presence of Ca²⁺ ions.
5. Fibrin forms a mesh or network in which platelets (thrombocytes) and other blood cells get trapped to form the clot.