What is fibrinolysis?

Fibrinolysis refers specifically to the physiological process by which a fibrin clot, which forms as part of the body’s natural healing mechanisms, is broken down. This process is crucial for regulating blood clotting and preventing excessive clot formation, ensuring that clots do not remain permanently in place once healing has occurred. It involves the enzymatic breakdown of fibrin, the protein that helps form the structural framework of the clot. Key components in this process include plasminogen, which is converted into plasmin, the enzyme that actively digests fibrin. Understanding fibrinolysis is important in contexts such as wound healing and the treatment of thrombotic disorders, as it helps maintain the balance between clot formation and dissolution in the circulatory system.