Question

Anticoagulants are used to

1. increase the number of platelets.
2. prevent the formation of blood clots.
3. shorten the prothrombin time.
4. dissolve blood clots.

Answer 1

Anticoagulants are substances used to prevent the formation of blood clots by inactivating clotting factors. Examples include heparin, which is naturally released by basophils, and a pharmaceutical form of heparin that is administered therapeutically.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anticoagulants are substances that oppose coagulation and are used to prevent the formation of blood clots. They work by inactivating clotting factors involved in the clotting pathways, limiting the extent and duration of clotting. Examples of anticoagulants include heparin, which is naturally released by basophils, and a pharmaceutical form of heparin that is often administered therapeutically to patients at risk for blood clots.