Defence against disease - blood clotting Flashcards
What occurs when the skin is cut?
Microorganisms have an entry point to get into the body.
What is the first line of defense that is compromised when the skin is cut?
The skin.
What is the purpose of blood clotting when the skin is cut?
To minimize the risk of substantial blood loss and entry of unwanted microorganisms.
What do platelets form in response to blood vessel damage?
A temporary plug to stem bleeding.
What are platelets?
Cellular fragments that make up one component of the blood.
What do platelets release to trigger blood clotting?
Clotting factors.
What do clotting factors stimulate the release of?
The enzyme thrombin.
What is the function of thrombin in the blood clotting process?
Catalyses the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin.
What is fibrin?
An insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen.
What does fibrin form to prevent entry through the wound?
A mesh that traps more platelets and blood cells.
What happens to a small initial stimulus in the blood clotting process?
It is amplified to produce a large amount of fibrin.
What results from exposure to air during the clotting process?
The hardening of the mesh to create a scab.
