The Science Behind Bleeding

It is very normal to see blood running down your ankle after you slip on a surface outside. Your body is trained to bleed in the event of physical harm occurring. It is instinct to apply pressure to wherever the injury may be, clean the area, and patch it up with a band-aid. Why does bleeding actually occur? Some hematologist NJ practices provided some insight into the common process of bleeding.

What is Blood?

Blood is made up of three parts. Blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. Red blood cells carry oxygen and transport it throughout the body. White blood cells function as the body’s way to fight off infection. Mixed in with white blood cells are platelets. Platelets are the body’s mechanism to clot and heal physical wounds. Lastly, the blood is made up of plasma. Plasma is the part of the blood that carries nutrients and water throughout the body. 


In the center of your bones, bone marrow can be found that is responsible for making all the parts of your blood. Bloods cells are made in the bone marrow then enter your blood vessels, which are the pathways to send your blood cells throughout the body. Your blood vessels are responsible for moving your blood to vital organs as well as areas of infection. 


Why Do We Bleed?   

Bleeding is your body’s normal reaction to a physical wound. When an injury happens that breaks your skin, the blood vessel becomes temporarily damaged and causes your blood cells to leak out. This leak is the red fluid that comes out of a cut. The deeper and more severe the injury, the compromised blood vessel becomes large, which results in more blood being leaked out. When you have an injury that doesn't result in your skin becoming cut but blood vessels being torn, a bruise forms. A bruise is a collection of broken blood vessels underneath the skin. The difference between a cut and a bruise is simply the skin being open or not. When an injury like this occurs, you are told to put pressure on it to stop the bleeding. The pressure helps aid the platelets and plasma in the clotting process. 


I hope this helps!


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