COAGULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Coagulation is a physiological process that involves the transformation of a liquid into a gel or solid state. It is a fundamental mechanism required for blood clotting, wound healing, and the prevention of excessive bleeding.
In the context of blood clotting, coagulation refers to a complex cascade of reactions that occur when the blood vessels are damaged, triggering the formation of a blood clot. The primary goal of coagulation is to prevent the loss of blood by sealing off the damaged blood vessels. This process involves the activation of various proteins called clotting factors, which work together to form a fibrin clot. Fibrin threads form a mesh-like structure that traps blood cells and platelets, leading to the formation of a stable blood clot.
Coagulation is also important during wound healing, as it helps to initiate the repair process. When tissues are injured, coagulation is activated, leading to the formation of a provisional fibrin clot. This clot acts as a scaffold for the migration of cells involved in tissue repair, ultimately promoting wound closure and tissue regeneration.
Outside of the medical field, coagulation can also refer to the process of a liquid thickening or solidifying. This can occur in various substances such as food, in which coagulation may be a desirable outcome, as in the curdling of milk to form cheese or the solidification of egg whites when cooking.
In summary, coagulation is the process of transforming a liquid into a gel or solid state, commonly associated with blood clotting, wound healing, and thickening of substances.
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1. Clotting, the process of change from a liquid state to that of a soft, jelly-like solid. 2. A clot or coagulum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The act of changing from a fluid to a fixed state.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COAGULATION
Etymology of COAGULATION
The word "coagulation" originated from the Latin word "coagulatio", which comes from the verb "coagulare". "Coagulare" is derived from the Latin prefix "co-" meaning "together", and the word "agulare", which means "to cause to set or curdle". Thus, "coagulation", in its etymology, refers to the process of clotting or thickening of a liquid to form a semi-solid or solid state.
Similar spelling words for COAGULATION
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