Haemostasis

/hɛmɒˈsteɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

The process by which the body stops bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged, involving blood clotting and vasoconstriction.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'stasis' (stoppage or standing still). The term has been used in medicine since the 1800s to describe the physiological mechanisms that prevent or control blood loss.

Kelly Says

Haemostasis is actually a complex three-step dance: blood vessels constrict, platelets plug the hole, and then proteins create a web-like clot. Doctors study it intensely because problems with any step can cause serious bleeding or clotting disorders.

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