PROTHROMBIN Meaning and
Definition
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Prothrombin is a noun that refers to a glycoprotein, specifically a zymogen, that plays a crucial role in the blood clotting process. It is produced in the liver and circulates in the blood as an inactive precursor to thrombin, a key enzyme involved in coagulation. The prothrombin molecule consists of a polypeptide chain containing 579 amino acids, accompanied by multiple vitamin K-dependent, gamma-carboxylated glutamic acid residues.
When the integrity of a blood vessel is compromised due to injury or trauma, prothrombin is enzymatically converted into its active form called thrombin through a series of complex reactions known as the coagulation cascade. Thrombin then acts as a catalyst to convert soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin threads, leading to the formation of a stable blood clot that seals the damaged area and prevents further blood loss.
Prothrombin levels in the blood can be measured through laboratory tests to assess a person's coagulation status. Abnormalities in prothrombin can result in bleeding disorders or an increased risk of thrombosis if levels are too low or too high, respectively.
Understanding the role and regulation of prothrombin is vital in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions, such as hemophilia, deep vein thrombosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, as well as guiding therapeutic interventions like anticoagulant medications.
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A nucleoprotein derived from the blood-platelets or white corpuscles, which in conjunction with the calcium salts in the blood forms thrombin or fibrin ferment; thrombogen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PROTHROMBIN
Etymology of PROTHROMBIN
The word "prothrombin" has a Greek etymology. It is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pro-", which means "before" or "pre-", and "thrombos", which means "clot" or "lump". Therefore, "prothrombin" can be translated to mean "a substance that comes before clotting".
Similar spelling words for PROTHROMBIN
- pretermission,
- protirelin,
- pretorium,
- prodrome,
- prodroma,
- preterm infant,
- prothrombinase,
- protruding,
- protropin,
- prodromic,
- pretermit,
- preterm baby.
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