Question

Place the steps of hemostasis in the correct order, starting with what happens first at the top.

Answer 1

The correct order of the steps of hemostasis starts with vascular spasm, followed by the formation of a platelet plug, and finishes with coagulation or blood clotting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of hemostasis involves several critical steps that the body takes to stop bleeding after an injury to a blood vessel. To place the steps in the correct order:

1. Vascular spasm is the immediate response where the smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls contract to reduce blood flow.
2. Formation of a platelet plug occurs when platelets adhere to the exposed collagen and each other to temporarily seal the break in the vessel wall.
3. Coagulation, or blood clotting, solidifies the plug with a mesh of fibrin strands that traps blood cells and platelets, creating a stable clot.

These steps are crucial as failure in any step can result in excessive bleeding or a condition known as hemorrhage. Platelets are essential components in this process, as they not only form the initial plug but also release substances that activate further platelet aggregation and clot formation.