Coagulação

Coagulação refers to the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel. This essential physiological mechanism stops bleeding after an injury. The process involves a complex cascade of events mediated by specialized proteins called clotting factors, which are present in the blood plasma. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets aggregate at the site of injury, forming a temporary plug. Simultaneously, the coagulation cascade is activated, leading to the formation of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein that forms a mesh-like network, reinforcing the platelet plug and creating a stable clot that effectively seals the damaged vessel and prevents further blood loss. Once healing is complete, the body initiates a process called fibrinolysis to break down the clot. This process is crucial for restoring normal blood flow. Disruptions in coagulation can lead to serious health issues, such as excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) or the formation of unwanted blood clots within blood vessels (thrombosis).