Why doesn't blood dry inside our bodies?

[Psinter]

Legit question.

When we get a cut or scrap, blood comes out. In a few moments the blood dries and forms what looks like a layer of dried blood that gets a darker color.

If that happens, why doesn't blood dry inside our bodies?

 

[phinds]

Legit question.

When we get a cut or scrap, blood comes out. In a few moments the blood dries and forms what looks like a layer of dried blood that gets a darker color.

If that happens, why doesn't blood dry inside our bodies?

Coagulation is a response to a wound. It's not an internal process

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coagulation

 

[berkeman]

Actually, blood can and does clot inside the body under certain conditions, and can lead to very bad things happening.

DVT -- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557

AFib -- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624

Bad things that can result:

PE -- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647

Ischemic Stroke -- http://www.strokeassociation.org/ST...kes-Clots_UCM_310939_Article.jsp#.Wq_lsLhnUb4

 

[phinds]

Actually, blood can and does clot inside the body under certain conditions, and can lead to very bad things happening.

Son of a gun. Didn't know that. Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

I deal with those pretty often on my medical shifts, unfortunately.

Quiz Question for @Psinter -- What are some common ways that internal blood clots can be prevented or reduced?

 

[Psinter]

I deal with those pretty often on my medical shifts, unfortunately.

Quiz Question for @Psinter -- What are some common ways that internal blood clots can be prevented or reduced?

• Exercise regularly - easy
• Avoid staying still for long periods of time - easy depending on the situation.
  
• Move every now and then when sitting for long periods of time - easy
• Maintain a healthy diet - hard (somewhat hard for some )

 

[megan stephenson]

I don't think blood can dry inside our bodies,the platelets clots when we get a cut.

 

[256bits]

• Exercise regularly - easy
• Avoid staying still for long periods of time - easy depending on the situation.
  
• Move every now and then when sitting for long periods of time - easy
• Maintain a healthy diet - hard (somewhat hard for some )

You can read up on anti-coagulants, or blood thinners.
A little bit here, and some conditions.
https://www.webmd.com/dvt/news/2014...ork-instead-of-warfarin-for-deep-vein-clots#1
Note, do not self prescribe.
Aspirin can lead to some internal bleeding with higher doses.
Warfarin is also used as rat poison.

Look what snakes can do to your blood - the blood is not dry, it has coagulated.
http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/what-does-viper-venom-do-blood/

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Warfarin is also used as rat poison.

Anything in large enough quantities can be lethal. The point of Warfarin is the thin the blood. Thin it too much and you hemorrhage. Correct doses and it's beneficial.