Heparin

Definition

Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant produced by basophils and endothelial cells, which prevents blood clots from forming by inhibiting the coagulation factors in the blood. It is widely used therapeutically to prevent and treat thrombosis and embolism during medical procedures or in certain diseases.

Related terms

Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents blood from clotting, thereby maintaining fluidity within the circulatory system.

Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system.

Embolism: An obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other foreign matter that has been brought there by the blood current