Definition of Hemostasis

Hemostasis: The stoppage of bleeding or hemorrhage. Also, the stoppage of blood flow through a blood vessel or organ of the body.

Hemostasis is the arrest of bleeding, whether it be by normal vasoconstriction (the vessel walls closing temporarily), by an abnormal obstruction (such as a plaque) or by coagulation or surgical means (such as ligation).

The term comes from the Greek roots heme, blood + stasis, halt = halt of the blood. Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15839
Last Editorial Review: 1/13/2001 1:55:00 PM

Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Medical Dictionary Term: