ANTITHROMBIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Antithrombin, also known as antithrombin III, is a glycoprotein and a natural anticoagulant present in the body. It is primarily produced by the liver and is involved in regulating the coagulation cascade. The primary function of antithrombin is to inhibit the action of certain clotting factors, specifically thrombin (hence its name) and factor Xa.
Antithrombin works by binding to these clotting factors and greatly accelerating their inactivation. It acts as a co-factor for heparin, enhancing the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa. By effectively inhibiting these factors, antithrombin prevents or slows down the formation of blood clots within blood vessels, a vital process in maintaining normal blood flow.
Deficiencies in antithrombin can lead to an increased risk of thrombosis, which is the formation of unwanted blood clots in blood vessels. These clots may obstruct blood flow, causing serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. In some cases, antithrombin deficiency is inherited, while in others, it may be acquired due to certain medical conditions or medications.
Antithrombin deficiency can be diagnosed through laboratory testing, and treatment often involves the administration of antithrombin concentrate or anticoagulant medications to prevent and manage the formation of blood clots.
-
A supposed antibody in the circulating blood which prevents its coagulation in the vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTITHROMBIN
- zntithrombin
- sntithrombin
- wntithrombin
- qntithrombin
- abtithrombin
- amtithrombin
- ajtithrombin
- ahtithrombin
- anrithrombin
- anfithrombin
- angithrombin
- anyithrombin
- an6ithrombin
- an5ithrombin
- antuthrombin
- antjthrombin
- antkthrombin
- antothrombin
- ant9thrombin
- ant8thrombin
Etymology of ANTITHROMBIN
The word "antithrombin" is derived from two roots: "anti-" and "thrombin".
The prefix "anti-" comes from the Ancient Greek word "antí" meaning "against" or "opposite". It is commonly used in English to indicate opposition, contrast, or negation.
"Thrombin" is derived from the Greek word "thrómbos" meaning "lump" or "clot", which refers to a thickened or congealed mass of blood. Thrombin is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in coagulation or blood clotting.
When combined, "anti-" and "thrombin" create "antithrombin", a term used in medicine to refer to substances that oppose or inhibit the effects of thrombin, preventing or slowing down blood clotting.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
