What is the process by which blood vessels are repaired after injury?

The process of hemostasis refers to the mechanisms that the body initiates to stop bleeding following an injury to blood vessels. This complex process involves several stages, including vascular constriction, platelet aggregation, and the formation of a fibrin clot. When a blood vessel is injured, the immediate response is vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow and limits blood loss. Platelets adhere to the site of injury, activating and forming a temporary plug. Subsequently, a cascade of coagulation factors leads to the formation of a stable fibrin clot that effectively seals the breach in the vessel wall.

Understanding hemostasis is critical in phlebotomy and other medical practices since it is essential for controlling bleeding during procedures and for understanding how blood components interact in the healing process.

Coagulation, while related, specifically refers to the process of blood clot formation, which is one aspect of hemostasis. Exudation involves the escape of fluid, proteins, and cells from the blood into tissues during inflammation, while inflammation is the overall response to injury that includes hemostatic processes among others. Thus, hemostasis is the most comprehensive term to describe the entire process of blood vessel repair after an injury.