Final answer:
The term for a mass of platelets that stops minor bleeding after an injury is called a 'platelet plug' or 'fibrin clot.' These platelets are vital for the blood clotting process, assisting in the formation of a clot that ceases blood flow and entry of bacteria at the injury site.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a mass of platelets that reduces minor bleeding following an injury is known as a platelet plug or a fibrin clot. Platelets are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site of damage, release clotting factors, and work with other coagulation factors to convert fibrinogen into fibrin, leading to the formation of a blood clot.
This process not only halts blood loss but also prevents bacteria from entering the body. Deficiencies in vitamin K can affect the clotting process, as many coagulation factors depend on it.