Verihiutalehyytymä

Verihiutalehyytymä, also known as a platelet plug or hemostatic plug, is a temporary clot that forms at the site of a vascular injury. This process is a crucial initial step in hemostasis, the body's mechanism for stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets circulating in the bloodstream are exposed to collagen and other molecules in the vessel wall. This exposure triggers a series of reactions in the platelets.

The platelets become activated, changing their shape and releasing various substances, including adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thromboxane A2. These substances attract more platelets to the injury site, a process called platelet aggregation. The activated platelets adhere to each other and to the damaged vessel wall, forming a relatively loose plug. This plug helps to reduce blood loss immediately following the injury.

The formation of a verihiutalehyytymä is a rapid process, occurring within seconds to minutes of the injury. While it effectively stems minor bleeding, it is a temporary measure. This plug is later reinforced by a more stable fibrin clot, which is formed through the coagulation cascade. The fibrin network traps blood cells and platelets, creating a robust clot that seals the injured vessel. Eventually, the verihiutalehyytymä and the surrounding clot are broken down by fibrinolysis as the tissue heals.