Why does pathological platelet aggregation occur in atherosclerosis, leading to thrombus formation in arteries, rather than simple clot formation?

💡 Explanation

In atherosclerosis, endothelial damage exposes subendothelial collagen and von Willebrand factor, activating platelets. This triggers platelet aggregation via glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors binding to fibrinogen, creating a thrombus, because platelet aggregation amplifies the clotting cascade. Therefore, localized thrombosis occurs, rather than simple clot formation, under arterial flow.

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