Why doesn't blood dry inside our bodies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of why blood does not dry inside the body, contrasting this with the drying process that occurs when blood is exposed to air after a cut or scrape. Participants explore concepts related to blood coagulation, clotting, and the implications of internal blood clots.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that blood drying is an external process related to exposure to air, while coagulation is a response to a wound that does not occur internally.
  • Others argue that blood can clot inside the body under certain conditions, which can lead to serious health issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • One participant notes that they frequently encounter internal blood clots in a medical context and raises a question about prevention methods.
  • Suggestions for preventing internal blood clots include regular exercise, avoiding prolonged immobility, and maintaining a healthy diet.
  • There are references to anticoagulants and blood thinners, with cautionary notes about their use and potential side effects.
  • Some participants express surprise at the information regarding internal clotting and the implications of anticoagulant medications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial question of why blood does not dry inside the body. There are competing views regarding the processes of coagulation and clotting, with some emphasizing the differences between external drying and internal clotting.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the conditions under which blood can clot internally, but there are limitations in the explanations provided, particularly regarding the mechanisms of coagulation and the specific circumstances that lead to clot formation.

Psinter
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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?
 
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Psinter said:
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
 
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berkeman said:
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.
 
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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? :smile:
 
berkeman said:
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? :smile:
  • 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 :-p)
 
I don't think blood can dry inside our bodies,the platelets clots when we get a cut.
 
Psinter said:
  • 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 :-p)
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/
 
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256bits said:
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.
 
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