Hemostasis occurs in three stages: vasoconstriction, platelet plug formation, and blood coagulation. Vasoconstriction decreases blood flow from damaged vessels. Platelets adhere to collagen at injury sites, forming a temporary platelet plug. Coagulation involves thrombin converting fibrinogen to fibrin, forming fibrin threads that strengthen the platelet plug and complete hemostasis. Blood coagulation is initiated through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways activating a cascade of clotting factors that ultimately generate thrombin. Thrombin then converts fibrinogen to fibrin to form a blood clot.