5.

Describe the roles of the following in coagulation:

a. Platelets
Platelets normally start the clotting process when they're exposed to the air, such as in a
cut or wound. These cell fragments fall apart even more and react with a protein called
fibrinogen. With the help of vitamin K and calcium, fibrinogen forms a mesh of tiny
threads that collects red blood cells, which plug the open blood vessels as it dries. This
is a clot.
From: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2007/jun/10/body-parts-platelets-play-critical-rolein-blood/#sthash.n9AX5Ju3.dpuf

b. Plasma proteins
Blood Coagulation: Prothrombin present in 2-globulin fraction and fibrinogen,
participate in the blood clotting process as follows.
Prothrombin -> Thrombin (Presence Thromboplastin)
Fibrinogen -> Fibrin (Clot) (Presence Thrombin)
From: http://www.biochemden.com/plasma-proteins/
c. Natural occurring anticoagulants
Anticoagulants prevent clotting (pathological thrombosis) by reducing coagubility of
blood.
Thrombus is inappropriate activation of haemostatic mechanisms.
From: http://howmed.net/pharmacology/anticoagulants/