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The Coagulation System in Humans

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Haemostasis

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 992))

Abstract

Complex, interrelated systems exist to maintain the fluidity of the blood in the vascular system while allowing for the rapid formation of a solid blood clot to prevent hemorrhaging subsequent to blood vessel injury. These interrelated systems are collectively referred to as haemostasis. The components involved in the haemostatic mechanism consist of vessel walls, platelets, coagulation factors, inhibitors, and the fibrinolytic system. In the broadest sense, a series of cascades involving coagulation proteins and enzymes, as well as cell surfaces (platelets and endothelial cells), work together to generate thrombin, the key enzyme in coagulation, subsequently leading to the formation of a fibrin clot. However, there also exist direct and indirect inhibitors of thrombin to ensure that clot formation does not go uncontrolled. Once the fibrin clot is formed, the fibrinolytic system ensures that the clot is lysed so that it does not become a pathological complication. Taken together, the systems exist to balance each other and maintain order. The balance of coagulation and fibrinolysis keeps the haemostatic system functioning efficiently.

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Acknowledgments

Anthony Chan is supported by the Bayer Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute (TaARI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Anthony K. C. Chan & Nethnapha Paredes

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  1. Anthony K. C. Chan
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  2. Nethnapha Paredes
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, n/a, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia

    Paul Monagle

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Chan, A.K.C., Paredes, N. (2013). The Coagulation System in Humans. In: Monagle, P. (eds) Haemostasis. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 992. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-339-8_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-339-8_1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

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