FIBRINOLYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Fibrinolysis is a natural physiological process that refers to the dissolution or breakdown of fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. It is a crucial mechanism for maintaining the balance between clot formation and clot removal in the body.
When the integrity of blood vessels is compromised due to injury or any other cause, the body initiates a series of events to prevent excessive bleeding. One of these events includes the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, to seal the injured area. Fibrin, a thread-like protein, plays a fundamental role in forming this clot. However, in order to prevent the clot from becoming too large or unnecessarily remaining in the body, fibrinolysis is activated.
Fibrinolysis involves the activation of specific enzymes called plasminogen activators, which convert the inactive plasminogen into its active form, called plasmin. Plasmin then acts as the main agent responsible for breaking down fibrin into smaller protein fragments, thus dissolving the clot.
Fibrinolysis is tightly regulated to ensure balance, as both insufficient and excessive fibrinolysis can be detrimental to the body. Insufficient fibrinolysis can lead to the formation of unwanted blood clots, which can obstruct blood flow and cause numerous cardiovascular complications. Conversely, excessive fibrinolysis can result in uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhage.
Medications called fibrinolytic agents can be administered therapeutically to encourage fibrinolysis, especially in cases of acute coronary syndromes or ischemic strokes, where rapid clot dissolution is essential to restore blood flow and prevent organ damage.
In summary, fibrinolysis is the natural process of breaking down fibrin and dissolving blood clots in order to maintain normal blood circulation and
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The hydrolysis of fibrin under the influence of an enzyme.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FIBRINOLYSIS
- dibrinolysis
- cibrinolysis
- vibrinolysis
- gibrinolysis
- tibrinolysis
- ribrinolysis
- fubrinolysis
- fjbrinolysis
- fkbrinolysis
- fobrinolysis
- f9brinolysis
- f8brinolysis
- fivrinolysis
- finrinolysis
- fihrinolysis
- figrinolysis
- fibeinolysis
- fibdinolysis
- fibfinolysis
Etymology of FIBRINOLYSIS
The word "fibrinolysis" consists of two main parts: "fibrin" and "lysis".
1. Fibrin: The term "fibrin" originates from the Latin word "fibrina", which means "fibrous material". It specifically refers to a protein that forms during blood clotting, playing a crucial role in the formation of a blood clot or thrombus.
2. Lysis: The word "lysis" comes from the Greek term "lýsis", which means "a loosening" or "dissolution". In a medical context, it generally refers to the breakdown or dissolution of substances or tissues.
Therefore, the etymology of "fibrinolysis" can be understood as the breakdown or dissolution (lysis) of fibrin, which signifies the natural process of breaking down blood clots.
Similar spelling words for FIBRINOLYSIS
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