Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 May 2011
Platelets are an essential component of the first step in the process of haemostasis, plugging defects in the endothelium and providing a surface for secondary haemostasis to occur, via the coagulation pathway. Platelet aggregation and activation cause granule release of von Willebrand factor, ADP and serotonin, which, in turn, results in recruitment of more platelets to form the platelet plug. This serves to stop the bleeding, and also to activate the coagulation pathway on the surface of the activated platelets, leading to a firm fibrin clot.
Full text views reflects PDF downloads, PDFs sent to Google Drive, Dropbox and Kindle and HTML full text views.
* Views captured on Cambridge Core between September 2016 - 19th January 2021. This data will be updated every 24 hours.