Platelet activation

Overview
Platelet activation is the process whereby a normally quiescent and round platelet undergoes functional and anatomic changes. These changes include:


 * 1) Development of long pseudopods which increase the surface area of the platelet allowing for a greater probability or area for cross linking with fibrin strands
 * 2) Expression glycoprotein IIbIIIa receptors which will bind fibrin strands to cross link platelets
 * 3) Release ADP and other platelet activators into the local micro environment. Relase of ADP causes further platelet activation in a positive feedback loop.

Stimulatnts of platelet activation include:
 * 1) Thrombin
 * 2) Tethering and binding to vWF on the endothelial surface at an area of vascular injury
 * ADP