Body fluid

Full Answer Section

• c) Heparin: This is an anticoagulant, meaning it prevents blood clotting. Introducing it would inhibit coagulation, not cause it.

• d) Thromboplastin (also known as tissue factor): This is a protein released from damaged tissues. When it enters the bloodstream, it initiates the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation.

Therefore, the component that would cause coagulation if introduced to the bloodstream is d) Thromboplastin.

Sample Answer

You're asking which component triggers blood clotting. Let's break down the options:

• a) Fibrinogen: This is a soluble protein in blood plasma. During coagulation, it's converted into insoluble fibrin, which forms the meshwork of a blood clot. So, while essential for the formation of a clot, it doesn't directly cause coagulation on its own.

• b) Prothrombin: This is an inactive precursor protein in the blood. It needs to be activated to thrombin to play a role in coagulation.

• c) Heparin: This is an anticoagulant, meaning it prevents blood clotting. Introducing it would inhibit coagulation, not cause it.