Question

What are the main steps in coagulation of blood?

Answer 1

Blood clotting or coagulation occurs in a series of the following steps:
(a) The injured tissue cells and the platelets disintegrate at the site of wound to release
thromboplastin.
(b) The thromboplastin with the help of calcium ions converts inactive prothrombin into active
thrombin.
(c) Thrombin in the presence of calcium ions converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin
which forms a mesh or network at the site of wound.
(d) The blood cells trapped in this network shrink and squeeze out the plasma to leave behind a
solid mass known as the clot.