Mechanism Action of Platelets and Crucial Blood Coagulation Pathways in Hemostasis

Mercy Halleluyah Periayah1, Ahmad Sukari Halim1, Arman Zaharil Mat Saad1

  • 1Reconstructive Sciences Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Blood is considered to be precious because it is the basic necessity for health; our body needs a steady provision of oxygen, supplied via blood, to reach billions of tissues and cells. Hematopoiesis is the process that generates blood cells of all lineages. However, platelets are the smallest blood component produced from the very large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes and they play a fundamental role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Platelets contribute their hemostatic capacity via adhesion, activation and aggregation, which are triggered upon tissue injury, and these actions stimulate the coagulation factors and other mediators to achieve hemostasis. In addition, these coordinated series of events are the vital biological processes for wound healing phases. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the important pathways involved in achieving hemostasis that are ruled by platelets. In addition, this review also describes the mechanism action of platelets, including adhesion, activation, aggregation, and coagulation, as well as the factors that aid in hemostasis and wound healing.

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