An Introduction to the Fundamentals of Coagulation: Introduction to Primary Hemostasis
Primary Hemostasis – Platelet Function
Platelets have three primary functions:
- Maintenance of Vascular Integrity – Platelets contain chemicals within their granules that are vital to the normal growth and maintenance of the vascular system.
- Platelet Plug Formation – Platelets are the fundamental components of the physical barrier that initially fills the breach in the compromised vessel.
- Stabilization of the Platelet Plug – Inherent platelet stickiness acts as a strong bond between the platelet and the exposed subendothelium, as well as between platelets themselves. Fibrin strands will weave in amongst the bound platelets that make up the platelet plug, further compressing and solidifying the structure and creating a fibrin clot.
