Which WBC type helps break up blood clots?

Which WBC type helps break up blood clots?

• A. Monocytes
• B. Basophils
• C. Eosinophils
• D. Neutrophils

Answer: (B)

When clot dissolution occurs, the process of fibrinolysis is key. Basophils carry heparin in their granules, which acts as an anticoagulant to prevent new clots from forming. This helps regulate coagulation but doesn’t actively dissolve an existing clot. The cells more directly linked to breaking down clots are monocytes, which can release tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and other plasminogen activators. These convert plasminogen to plasmin, the enzyme that digests fibrin and dissolves clots. Neutrophils and eosinophils have other immune roles and aren’t the primary drivers of fibrinolysis. So, the concept to connect is that clot breakup is driven by plasmin generation, commonly supported by monocytes through plasminogen activators, while basophils contribute to preventing further clot formation with heparin.

When clot dissolution occurs, the process of fibrinolysis is key. Basophils carry heparin in their granules, which acts as an anticoagulant to prevent new clots from forming. This helps regulate coagulation but doesn’t actively dissolve an existing clot. The cells more directly linked to breaking down clots are monocytes, which can release tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and other plasminogen activators. These convert plasminogen to plasmin, the enzyme that digests fibrin and dissolves clots. Neutrophils and eosinophils have other immune roles and aren’t the primary drivers of fibrinolysis. So, the concept to connect is that clot breakup is driven by plasmin generation, commonly supported by monocytes through plasminogen activators, while basophils contribute to preventing further clot formation with heparin.