The primary sealant(s) that plug(s) leaks in damaged blood vessels is/are __________.

• A. red blood cells
• B. white blood cells
• C. platelets
• D. hemoglobin
• E. fibrin

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: When a blood vessel is damaged, the body initiates a process called hemostasis to prevent excessive bleeding.
2. Identify the key components involved in hemostasis: These include platelets, clotting factors, and fibrin.
3. Recognize the role of platelets: Platelets are small cell fragments that adhere to the site of injury and release chemicals to activate the clotting cascade.
4. Explain the clotting cascade: This is a series of reactions involving clotting factors that ultimately lead to the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin.
5. Describe the function of fibrin: Fibrin forms a mesh-like structure that traps blood cells and solidifies to create a stable clot, effectively sealing the leak in the blood vessel.