Which term refers to the process of stopping or controlling bleeding?

The term that refers to the process of stopping or controlling bleeding is hemostasis. This physiological process is crucial for maintaining hemostatic balance and involves vascular constriction, the formation of a platelet plug, and the activation of the coagulation cascade. When a blood vessel is injured, hemostasis is initiated to prevent excessive blood loss and facilitate the healing process. It is a vital function in the body that ensures that blood remains within the circulatory system.

The other terms listed relate to different processes in hematology but do not pertain to the control of bleeding. Hematopoiesis refers to the formation of blood cells in the bone marrow, hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, and hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. Understanding these definitions helps distinguish hemostasis as the specific process involved in controlling bleeding.