Blood: Definitions - Blood Clotting 12.4

Question 1

Anticoagulant

Answer 1

A substance that prevents blood clots from abnormally forming in the body. OR a substance used in blood collection tubes that prevents blood from clotting so it can be used for lab testing.

Question 2

Clotting factors

Answer 2

Special proteins used in the coagulation (clotting) pathway.

Question 3

Coagulation

Answer 3

The last process of hemostasis that completes sealing up a damaged blood vessel. Complex process using clotting factors, calcium, prothrombin, thrombin and fibrinogen.

Question 4

Coumadin

Answer 4

An anticoagulant given to prevent blood clotting in patients.

Question 5

Embolus

Answer 5

An abnormal object traveling in the blood stream. Example a blood clot that has broken off of blood vessel wall and travels in the bloodstream.

Question 6

Fibrin

Answer 6

Formed when fibrinogen is activated; fibrin is a sticky, string-like substance similar to the “strings of a spider’s web”.

Question 7

Fibrinogen

Answer 7

Plasma protein that can form a “sticky web” that is associated with blood clotting.

Question 8

Hemostasis

Answer 8

The mechanisms used to prevent blood loss when damage occurs to the body.

Question 9

Heparin

Answer 9

An anticoagulant given to prevent blood clotting in hospital patients.

Question 10

Hemophilia

Answer 10

A deficiency in a clotting factor that prevents the coagulation process to occur.

Question 11

Megakaryocyte

Answer 11

Giant cell that forms platelets. Platelets are fragments of these cells.

Question 12

Petechiae

Answer 12

Tiny, round spots on the skin due to bleeding when small blood vessels break.

Question 13

Plasma proteins

Answer 13

Proteins found in the liquid portion of blood.

Question 14

Platelets

Answer 14

Small fragments of megakaryocytes.

Question 15

Platelet Plug

Answer 15

A group of platelets sticking together to stop bleeding.

Question 16

Thrombocyte

Answer 16

Fragment of a cell called a megakaryocyte; commonly called a platelet

Question 17

Thrombocytopenia

Answer 17

Low platelet count. (Below 100 platelets per mm3)

Question 18

Thrombocytosis

Answer 18

High platelet count. (Above 350 platelets per mm3)

Question 19

Thrombosis

Answer 19

The process of forming an abnormal clot in a blood vessel.

Question 20

Thrombus

Answer 20

Blood clot that forms in blood vessel’s walls.

Question 21

Vascular spasm

Answer 21

Blood vessels “close off” to stop bleeding. Triggered by platelets sending message for “help”.

Question 22

Vasoconstriction

Answer 22

A narrowing of the opening of a blood vessel.