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Blood clotting normally occurs when there is damage to a blood vessel. Platelets, which come from white blood cell fragments, immediately begin to adhere to the cut edges of the vessel and release chemicals to attract even more platelets. A platelet plug is formed, and the external bleeding stops. Next, small molecules, called clotting factors, cause strands of blood-borne materials, called fibrin, to stick together and seal the inside of the wound. Eventually, the cut blood vessel heals and the blood clot dissolves after a few days.

Review Date: 11/4/2002 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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