Coagulation


Coagulation: In medicine, the clotting of blood. The process by which the blood clots to form solid masses, or clots.

More than 30 types of cells and substances in blood affect clotting. The process is initiated by blood platelets. Platelets produce a substance that combines with calcium ions in the blood to form thromboplastin, which in turn converts the protein prothrombin into thrombin in a complex series of reactions. Thrombin, a proteolytic enzyme, converts fibrinogen, a protein substance, into fibrin, an insoluble protein that forms an intricate network of minute threadlike structures called fibrils and causes the blood plasma to gel. The blood cells and plasma are enmeshed in the network of fibrils to form the clot.

Tissue can also be subjected to coagulation by various means, as by electrocoagulation, laser coagulation, or photocoagulation.

Read Also:

  • Coagulation, laser

    Coagulation, laser: The coagulation (clotting) of tissue using a laser. A coagulation laser produces light in the visible green wavelength that is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells, in order to seal off bleeding blood vessels. There is also, for example, electrocoagulation and photocoagulation.

  • Coarctation

    Coarctation: A narrowing, stricture, or constriction of an artery. The sides of the vessel at the point of a coarctation appear to be pressed together.

  • Coarctation of the aorta

    Coarctation of the aorta: Congenital constriction of the aorta that impedes the flow of blood below the level of the constriction and increases blood pressure above the constriction. Symptoms may not be evident at birth but may develop as soon as the first week after birth, with congestive heart failure or high blood pressure that […]

  • Coated stent

    Coated stent: A tiny cage to prop open an artery and prevent it from closing again, that is coated with a drug. The stent is inserted into a coronary artery, usually just after an angioplasty has been done, to keep open the vessel. The stent slowly releases the drug with which it is coated. Coated […]

  • Cobalamin

    Cobalamin: Also called vitamin B12. A vitamin important for the normal formation of red blood cells and for the health of the nerve tissues. Undetected and untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and permanent nerve and brain damage. Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder caused by inadequate vitamin B12 in the blood. Patients […]


Disclaimer: Coagulation definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.