Thrombin is central to hemostasis, the process that prevents and stops bleeding, or hemorrhage. It acts on fibrinogen to produce fibrin, stabilizing blood clots. Thrombin also activates other coagulation factors, such as factor XIII, which cross-links fibrin, and it stimulates platelet activation, further reinforcing the clot. This delicate balance ensures that clotting occurs only when necessary, preventing excessive bleeding or thrombosis.
