The Mechanism of Blood Clotting 1. (a) i.

The diagram below shows a body mechanism to stop or minimize blood loss from damaged blood vessels.

Based on the diagram, explain the process (b) on how the plug is formed and what happens if the damage is severe. [4 marks] When a blood vessel in the body is damaged, the connective tissue in the vessel wall is exposed to blood plasma. (1m) Platelets stick rapidly to the collagen fibres in the connective tissue and release chemicals called clotting factors that make the surrounding platelets sticky. (1m) The aggregation of platelets forms a plug called a platelet plug. (1m) If the damage is severe, the plug is reinforced by a clot of fibrin. (1m) (a) ii. Name 2 health problems related to blood clotting. Explain why this occurs and the possible consequences of these conditions on his health. [8 marks] Haemophilia is an example of an impaired blood clotting mechanism. (1m) It is a heredity disease. (1m) The person lacks the gene necessary for the production of certain clotting factors in his blood. (1m) The afflicted person may die as a result of excessive bleeding from minor cuts or bruises as blood clotting cannot take place. (1m) Hemophiliacs experience spontaneous internal bleeding, even though they have not been injured. (1m) Thrombosis is another example of an impaired blood clotting mechanism. (1m) Various factors trigger thrombosis, such as slow blood flow which causes clotting factors to accumulate and stimulate the formation of a clot known as a thrombus. (1m) A dislodged and moving thrombus is called an embolus and continues flowing in the blood vessel until it is stuck in a narrow artery thus becomes lodged. (1m) This causes tissues below the obstruction no longer receives oxygenated blood and may die. (1m)