(a) Describe the appearance of platelets and state their major function. (b) Why should platelets not be called “cells”? (a) Define hemostasis. (b) List the three major phases of coagulation. Explain...

(a) Describe the appearance of platelets and state their major function.

(b) Why should platelets not be called “cells”?

(a) Define hemostasis.

(b) List the three major phases of coagulation. Explain what initiates each phase and what the phase accomplishes.

(c) In what general way do the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of clotting differ?

(d) Which ion is essential to virtually all stages of coagulation?