Question

State what prostaglandins are made from, and state three functions of prostaglandins. (p. 248)

Short answer

Answer: Prostaglandins are derived from fatty acids, specifically arachidonic acid. Their three major functions include promoting inflammation in response to tissue injury, playing a role in blood clotting, and regulating smooth muscle contractions.

Step-by-step solution

Defining Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are a group of lipid compounds derived from fatty acids, specifically, they are made from arachidonic acid.

Function 1: Inflammation

One of the major functions of prostaglandins is to promote inflammation as a response to tissue injury. They do this by increasing blood flow and the permeability of blood vessels, leading to redness and swelling.

Function 2: Blood Clotting

Prostaglandins play a role in blood clotting by enhancing the ability of platelets to aggregate and form clots. This helps to prevent excessive bleeding during injury.

Function 3: Regulation of Smooth Muscle Contractions

Prostaglandins can cause the constriction or dilation of smooth muscle cells, which helps regulate bodily processes such as gastrointestinal motility and the contraction and dilation of blood vessels.