Final answer:
The steps of hemostasis are vascular spasm, formation of a platelet plug, and coagulation. These steps ensure that leaking blood stops and the vessel can be repaired.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps of hemostasis, the process by which the body seals a ruptured blood vessel, are:
- Vascular spasm: When a vessel is damaged, the smooth muscle in its walls contracts, constricting the flow of blood.
- Formation of a platelet plug: Activated platelets change shape and aggregate at the site of injury, forming a temporary plug to seal small openings in the vessel.
- Coagulation: Platelets release substances that activate additional platelets, leading to the formation of fibrin. Fibrin strands crisscross the platelet plug and strengthen it, forming a clot.
These steps ensure that the leaking blood stops and the vessel can be repaired.