Electrolysis Practice Exam

What is the term for an agent that causes contraction of living tissue and is involved in blood clotting?

1. Hemostatic

2. Antiseptic

3. Styptic

4. Analgesic

The correct answer is: Styptic

The term that refers to an agent that causes contraction of living tissue and plays a role in blood clotting is "styptic." Styptic agents are typically used to quickly stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels and promoting clotting. This contraction helps to seal the wound and limit blood loss. In medical and first aid contexts, styptics are often applied directly to an area of bleeding to effectively support hemostasis—the process of preventing and stopping bleeding. Common examples of styptic substances include aluminum sulfate and some herbal remedies that have astringent properties. In contrast, while "hemostatic" also pertains to stopping bleeding, it more generally refers to agents that help control bleeding rather than specifically causing contraction. "Antiseptic" refers to substances that prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of germs, and "analgesic" describes agents that relieve pain. Thus, the specific focus on contraction and blood clotting aligns with the definition of a styptic agent.