Fibrin

Medical Topic of the Day:  Fibrin, what is it?  What does it do?  How much do you remember from anatomy and physiology II?

Off the Top of My Head:  I dunno.  It probably has fiber in it?

My Research Today:  Defined as an insoluble protein formed from fibrogen which is in turn produced by the liver.  Fibrin is produced through the action of thrombin in response to bleeding.  The action occurs at the tissue level that is bleeding on an as-needed basis.

Fibrin in whitish in color and forms an elastic-like interlacing network of protein strands that lock in platelets. The gradual accumulation of thrombin and platelets create this spongy mass that forms the basis for blood clotting.  The mass formed hardens and contracts which in turn stems the bleeding.

Looks like spaghetti.

Think of fibrin like the hair in a clogged drain.  It catches other stuff until the drain is completely clogged.  That seems like a good analogy.

Like this only less gross and more complicated.

Well short one tonight, suggest a better topic so I have something to write about.  They can't all be winners.  I'm not Charlie Sheen.

Quest To 180:
Meh


The MAN:
Meh