Von Willebrand Factor
Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is a large protein that plays a crucial role in blood clotting. It helps platelets, which are small cell fragments in the blood, stick to the walls of blood vessels when they are injured. This process is essential for forming a stable blood clot and preventing excessive bleeding.
In addition to aiding platelet adhesion, vWF also carries and protects another important clotting protein called Factor VIII. A deficiency or dysfunction of vWF can lead to a bleeding disorder known as Von Willebrand Disease, which can cause easy bruising and prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries.