Blood clotting

Question 1

what is the blood clotting cascade process

Answer 1

thromboplastin + calcium and vitamin k in plasma

prothrombin (soluble protein) – thrombin (enzyme)

fibrinogen – fibrin (insoluble)

fibrin mesh (insoluble)

platelets + red blood cells are trapped in mesh

CLOT

(all steps need to happen in order otherwise clot will not form)

Question 2

more detail of blood clotting cascade (how it begins and where enzymes come from)

Answer 2

damage to endothelium exposes collagen
platelets stick to exposed collagen and each other to form a temporary platelet plug
enzyme thromboplastin is release from platelets and damaged tissue
thromboplastin in the presence of calcium and vitamin k converts prothrombin into thrombin (enzyme)
thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin
creates an insoluble mesh which catches red blood cells and platelets
forms a clot

Question 3

which artery if blocked can cause a heart attack

Answer 3

coronary artery

Question 4

what effect do blood clots have on blood flow

Answer 4

decrease blood flow
decrease amount of oxygenated blood to cardiac muscle