What is the process called by which blood clots are formed?

The process by which blood clots are formed is known as coagulation. During coagulation, a series of complex biochemical reactions occur that result in the transformation of liquid blood into a semi-solid gel, effectively forming a clot. This process is crucial for stopping bleeding when blood vessels are injured. It involves the activation of various proteins known as clotting factors, which work together in a cascade effect to ultimately convert fibrinogen (a soluble plasma protein) into fibrin, creating a mesh that stabilizes the clot.

Other terms related to blood clotting have distinct meanings. For instance, cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, which is not specifically related to clot formation. Agglutination denotes the clumping of particles, typically seen in immune responses or blood typing. Hemostasis is a broader term that encompasses the entire process of stopping bleeding, including vasoconstriction, platelet plug formation, and coagulation, but coagulation specifically refers to the formation of the clot itself within that overall process. Thus, coagulation is the most precise term for the formation of blood clots.