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Stuck-together
platelets and other cells form the substrate on which the fibrin threads are
established. These threads begin by wrapping around the platelets and other
cells. At first this makes a weak clot, easily dislodged. But after 5 or 6
minutes cross-linkages are established between adjacent fibrin threads,
forming a more stable structure. After about 15 minutes coagulation is
complete. From that point on the clot is slowly broken down by plasmin and
other enzymes present in plasma. Phagocytic cells remove debris, and
epithelium is regrown as the vascular wall heals.
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