Heparin is a rapidly acting, potent anticoagulant that has many important clinical uses. Which of the following is an action of heparin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heparin works by activating antithrombin III, which in turn inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, leading to its anticoagulant effects.  Thrombin is a critical enzyme in the coagulation cascade. It not only can activate factors VIII and V, it also acts on fibrinogen to form fibrin. Thrombin is essential for clot formation. Antithrombin III modulates the coagulation cascade, serving to inhibit thrombin activity. Heparin acts as an anticoagulant because it accelerates the action of antithrombin III.

Heparin Is a Rapidly Acting, Potent Anticoagulant That Has Many