Final answer:
Heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants used to prevent blood clotting. Heparin is a short-acting anticoagulant released when tissues are injured. Warfarin is a drug that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K to prevent excessive clotting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heparin and warfarin are both anticoagulants, which means they prevent blood clotting. Heparin is a short-acting anticoagulant that is stored in mast cells and released when tissues are injured. It opposes the production of prothrombin, a protein involved in blood clotting. Warfarin, also known as Coumadin, is a drug that is frequently given to prevent excessive blood clotting in stroke or heart attack patients. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K in the liver, which is necessary for the production of clotting factors. Both heparin and warfarin are commonly used in medical settings to prevent blood clots in patients at risk.