Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 42m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart2h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Platelets: Hemostasis

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Platelets: Hemostasis

Previous problemNext problem

3:36 minutes

Problem 18

Textbook Question

Define fibrinolysis
What is the importance of this process?

Verified step by step guidance

Fibrinolysis is the physiological process by which the body breaks down fibrin, a protein that forms the structural framework of blood clots. This process ensures that blood clots are removed once they are no longer needed for wound healing or to stop bleeding.

The process of fibrinolysis involves the activation of plasminogen, an inactive precursor, into plasmin, an enzyme that degrades fibrin into smaller fragments called fibrin degradation products (FDPs).

Plasminogen is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), which are enzymes released by endothelial cells lining blood vessels.

The importance of fibrinolysis lies in its role in maintaining vascular health by preventing the persistence of unnecessary blood clots, which could otherwise lead to conditions such as thrombosis (e.g., deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).

In summary, fibrinolysis is a critical process for balancing clot formation and removal, ensuring that blood flow is restored and maintained after tissue repair is complete.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fibrinolysis

Fibrinolysis is the biological process that breaks down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting. This process is crucial for the removal of blood clots after they have served their purpose in stopping bleeding. It involves the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which then digests fibrin and dissolves the clot.

Role in Hemostasis

Fibrinolysis plays a vital role in hemostasis, the process that prevents and stops bleeding. After a blood vessel is injured, clot formation occurs to seal the wound. Once healing begins, fibrinolysis ensures that excess clots are removed, maintaining normal blood flow and preventing complications such as thrombosis.

Clinical Significance

Understanding fibrinolysis is important in clinical settings, particularly in conditions like thrombosis and stroke. Abnormal fibrinolysis can lead to excessive bleeding or inappropriate clot formation. Therapeutic interventions, such as fibrinolytic agents, are used to manage these conditions by either enhancing or inhibiting the fibrinolytic process.