Prothrombin
Prothrombin
Prothrombin (pronounced pro-throm-bin), also known as factor II, is a protein produced by the liver and is one of the key components in the coagulation process. The term "prothrombin" is derived from the Greek words "pro" meaning "before" and "thrombos" meaning "clot".
Function
Prothrombin is converted by thrombin into thrombin, which is a crucial enzyme in the process of blood clotting. Thrombin acts on fibrinogen, another protein in the blood plasma, converting it into fibrin. Fibrin then forms a mesh that traps blood cells and platelets, creating a blood clot.
Prothrombin Time
The Prothrombin Time (PT) is a test that measures how long it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. It is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy in patients with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Related Terms
- Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
- Thrombin: An enzyme in blood plasma that causes the clotting of blood.
- Fibrinogen: A protein in the blood plasma that is converted into fibrin during blood clot formation.
- Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents the coagulation of blood.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: A blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, most often in the leg.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually due to a blood clot that has traveled from elsewhere in the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prothrombin
- Wikipedia's article - Prothrombin
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