Fibrinolysis

Fibrinolysis refers to the process that brings about the dissolution of fibrin. The important component of the fibrinolytic system is plasmin or fibrinolysin, which is present in the blood in an inactive form called plasminogen or profibrinolysin. The fibrinolytic or the so called plasmin system causes lysis of blood clot, allowing slow cleaning of extraneous blood clots in the tissue. It also allows reopening of clotted blood vessels. Especially, it removes minute clots which are formed in many tiny peripheral vessels, which would eventually occlude if there was no plasmin system.