Gerinnungsgerüst

Gerinnungsgerüst refers to the structure formed during blood coagulation, also known as fibrin clot formation. This complex process involves a cascade of enzymatic reactions leading to the conversion of soluble fibrinogen in the plasma into insoluble fibrin strands. These fibrin strands then interweave and aggregate, forming a mesh-like network that traps blood cells, platelets, and other components. This mesh acts as the primary structural element of a blood clot, serving to stop bleeding at the site of injury.

The formation of the gerinnungsgerüst is initiated by tissue damage, which exposes underlying blood vessel components and activates clotting factors. These factors, in a sequential and amplified manner, ultimately lead to the activation of thrombin. Thrombin is a key enzyme that cleaves fibrinogen, releasing fibrin monomers. These monomers spontaneously polymerize to form long, insoluble fibrin fibers. Platelets also play a crucial role by adhering to the damaged vessel wall and releasing factors that promote coagulation, as well as providing a surface for some clotting factor interactions. The assembled gerinnungsgerüst stabilizes the clot, preventing further blood loss and providing a scaffold for tissue repair. The process is tightly regulated to ensure effective clot formation where needed, while preventing spontaneous clotting within intact blood vessels.