Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Fibrinopenia

    Fibrin and fibrinogen deficiency in the blood.  

  • Fibrinoid material

    A fibrinous substance that develops in the placenta, increasing in quantity as the placenta develops. Its origin is attributed to the degenerating decidua and trophoblast. It forms an incomplete layer in the chorion and decidua basalis and also occurs as small irregular patches on the surface of the chorionic villi. In late pregnancy it may…

  • Fibrinoid change

    Alteration in connective tissues in response to immune reactions. The tissue becomes swollen, homogeneous, and bandlike.  

  • Fibrinogenopenia

    Reduction in the amount of fibrinogen in the blood, usually the result of a liver or coagulation disorder.  

  • Fibrin glue

    Fibrinogen concentrate combined with bovine thrombin. It may be applied topically to stop bleeding, especially during surgery. It also may be injected into a variety of fistulae with some degree of success. Autologous fibrinogen (as cryoprecipitate) mixed with calcium chloride and bovine thrombin will result in fibrin glue. Commercially available is fibrin sealant composed of…

  • Fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products

    A group of soluble protein fragments produced by the proteolytic action of plasmin on fibrin or fibrinogen. These products impair the hemostatic process and are a major cause of hemorrhage in intravascular coagulation and fibrinogenolysis.  

  • Fibrillin

    A protein constituent of connective tissue. It is present in skin, ligaments, tendons, and in the aorta. In Marfan’s syndrome, there is reduced content of microfibrils that contain fibrillin. A protein integral to the composition of the body’s connective tissue, known for its significance. However, in Marfan’s syndrome, there is a genetic mutation in the…

  • Ventricular fiber

    A treatable, but lethal dysrhythmia present in nearly half of all cases of cardiac arrest. It is marked on the electrocardiogram by rapid, chaotic nonrepetitive waveforms; and clinically by the absence of effective circulation of blood (pulselessness). Rapid defibrillation (applying unsynchronized electrical shocks to the heart) is the key to treatment. Basic measures, such as…

  • Lone atrial fiber

    Atrial fibrillation that is not caused by or associated with underlying disease of the heart muscle, heart valves, coronary arteries, pulmonary circulation, or thyroid gland. Prognosis seems better for this type of atrial fibrillation than for that which results from anatomical or metabolic abnormalities.  

  • Fibremia

    Fibrin formed in the blood, causing embolism or thrombosis.