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[[Image:Coagulation Cascade.jpg|thumb|right|350px|oagulation cascade. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Joe D (2007)]]
[[Image:Coagulation Cascade.jpg|thumb|right|350px|oagulation cascade. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Joe D (2007)]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[Image:LH_Platelet_Histology.jpg|<center><p>'''Platelets'''</p><sup>©RVC 2008</sup></center>]]
[[Image:LH_Platelet_Histology.jpg|thumb|right|<center><p>'''Platelets'''</p><sup>©RVC 2008</sup></center>]]
Normally, [[Normal Mechanisms of Haemostatic Control|haemostastis]] is maintained by three key events. The first stage, primary haemostasis, involves platelets and the blood vessels themselves. It is triggered by injury to a vessel, and platelets become activated, adhere to endothelial connective tissue and aggregate with other platelets. A fragile plug is thus formed which helps to stem haemorrhage from the vessel. Substances are released from platelets during primary haemostasis. Vasoactive compounds give vasoconstriction, and other mediators cause continued platelet activation and aggregation, as well as contraction of the platelet plug. Primary haemostasis ceases once defects in the vessels are sealed and bleeding stops.
Normally, [[Normal Mechanisms of Haemostatic Control|haemostastis]] is maintained by three key events. The first stage, primary haemostasis, involves platelets and the blood vessels themselves. It is triggered by injury to a vessel, and platelets become activated, adhere to endothelial connective tissue and aggregate with other platelets. A fragile plug is thus formed which helps to stem haemorrhage from the vessel. Substances are released from platelets during primary haemostasis. Vasoactive compounds give vasoconstriction, and other mediators cause continued platelet activation and aggregation, as well as contraction of the platelet plug. Primary haemostasis ceases once defects in the vessels are sealed and bleeding stops.