Thromboplastin
Thromboplastin
Thromboplastin (pronounced: throm-bo-plas-tin) is a complex substance present in tissues, platelets, and leukocytes necessary for the coagulation of blood. It is also known as Tissue Factor (TF) and Factor III.
Etymology
The term "Thromboplastin" is derived from the Greek words "thrombos" meaning clot, and "plastikos" meaning formed. It was first identified in the early 20th century as a key factor in the blood clotting process.
Function
Thromboplastin is a cofactor that is essential for the initiation of the blood coagulation cascade. It forms a complex with Factor VII and Calcium ions, which then activates Factor X. This leads to the conversion of Prothrombin into Thrombin, which in turn converts Fibrinogen into Fibrin, resulting in a blood clot.
Related Terms
- Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
- Factor VII: One of the proteins that cause blood to clot in the coagulation cascade.
- Factor X: An enzyme, also known as Stuart-Prower factor, that plays a role in blood coagulation.
- Prothrombin: A protein present in blood plasma that is converted into active thrombin during coagulation.
- Thrombin: An enzyme in blood plasma that causes the clotting of blood by converting fibrinogen to fibrin.
- Fibrinogen: A soluble protein present in blood plasma, from which fibrin is produced by the action of the enzyme thrombin.
- Fibrin: An insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen during the clotting of blood, which forms a fibrous mesh that impedes the flow of blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thromboplastin
- Wikipedia's article - Thromboplastin
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