Hemostasis

/ˌhiːmoʊˈsteɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

The biological process that stops bleeding by forming blood clots and contracting blood vessels, preventing excessive blood loss.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'stasis' (standing still). Modern medical term standardized in the 19th century to describe blood clotting mechanisms.

Kelly Says

Hemostasis involves three perfectly choreographed steps—vessels squeeze down, platelets pile up like microscopic sandbags, and then fibrin strands weave them all into a solid plug—all happening in seconds without you thinking about it.

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