What is the breakdown and removal of a clot called?

The breakdown and removal of a clot is referred to as fibrinolysis. This is a crucial biological process that occurs after a clot has formed to stop bleeding, allowing the body to restore normal blood flow. Fibrinolysis involves the dissolution of fibrin, the protein that forms the mesh structure of a clot. Enzymes such as plasmin are activated to break down fibrin, leading to the gradual dissolution of the clot.

In contrast, coagulation is the process by which blood forms clots through a series of reactions that convert liquid blood into a gel-like state, preventing blood loss. Hemostasis is a broader term that describes the overall process of preventing and stopping bleeding, which includes both the clotting of blood and the subsequent removal of the clot. Vascular constriction refers specifically to the narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow and is one of the initial responses to bleeding. Understanding the difference between these processes helps to clarify fibrinolysis as the specific action of breaking down and removing clots once they have served their purpose.