platelet activation

Introduction

A series of progressive, overlapping events triggered by exposure of platelets to subendothelial tissue.

These events include

• shape change
• adhesiveness
• aggregation
• release reactions

When complete, leads to formation of a stable hemostatic plug.

Biochemistry

• involves disruption of the macromolecular complex of GP-Ib with the platelet glycoprotein IX (GP-IX) & dissociation of GP-Ib from the actin-binding protein

Physiology

A series of progressive, overlapping events triggered by exposure of platelets to subendothelial tissue.

These events include

• shape change
• adhesiveness
• aggregation
• release reactions

When complete, leads to formation of a stable hemostatic plug.

More general terms

• physiology

Additional terms

• platelet
• platelet aggregation; platelet function