Clotting, also known as COAGULATION, is the process of blood thickening and forming a clot. It is an important part of the body's natural healing process and helps to prevent excessive bleeding. Clotting occurs when proteins in the blood called clotting factors interact with each other to form a mesh-like structure that traps red blood cells and platelets. This mesh-like structure is known as a clot. Clotting is essential for wound healing and can help to reduce the risk of infection.