In thrombolysis, what is being dissolved?

In thrombolysis, the primary goal is to dissolve a blood clot. Blood clots can obstruct blood flow in vessels, leading to conditions such as heart attacks or strokes. Thrombolytic therapy involves the administration of drugs that act to break down fibrin, the main component of blood clots, thereby restoring normal blood flow.

The process typically targets fibrin strands within the clot, utilizing various medications that activate plasminogen to plasmin, which then breaks down fibrin. This therapeutic intervention is crucial for minimizing damage to tissues affected by the blockage and can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The other options do not pertain to the process of thrombolysis. Plasma refers to the liquid component of blood that remains when blood cells are removed, serum is the fluid that remains after blood has clotted, and platelets are the small cell fragments involved in the clotting process but are not the substance being dissolved in thrombolysis. Thus, focusing on the action of dissolving a blood clot captures the essence of what thrombolysis aims to achieve.