prostacyclin (ËprÉstÉËsaÉªklÉªn) n (Biochemistry) biochem any of several prostaglandins produced in the blood vessels, causing vasodilation and inhibiting platelet aggregation. prosâ¢taâ¢cyâ¢clin (ËprÉs tÉËsaÉª klÉªn) n. a prostaglandin, C20H32O5, that specifically inhibits the formation of blood clots.
This article is about the animal. For other uses, see Otter (disambiguation). Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. Lutrinae is a branch of the weasel family Mustelidae, which also includes badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats, and wolverines.
Physical Characteristics. All species of mongoose are long and thin, somewhat similar to weasels, with short legs and pointed snouts. The smallest species of African mongoose -- the dwarf mongoose -- is just 7 inches in length, while the Egyptian mongoose is the largest at nearly 2 feet.Their tails are long as well, measuring from 6 to 21 inches.he smallest species of African mongoose -- the dwarf mongoose -- is just 7 inches in length, while the Egyptian mongoose is the largest at nearly 2 feet. Their tails are long as well, measuring from 6 to 21 inches.