Final answer:
Hemostasis is the process by which the body seals a ruptured blood vessel to prevent further blood loss. It involves vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma work together to stop bleeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
When damage to blood vessels occurs, blood platelets and certain proteins in the plasma work together to block the ruptured areas of the blood vessels and prevent further blood loss. This process is called hemostasis. There are three steps in hemostasis: vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation (blood clotting). Vascular spasm involves the contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the damaged blood vessel. Platelet plug formation occurs when platelets adhere to the damaged site and form a plug. Coagulation is the final step, where a blood clot forms to seal the rupture.