PhysiologyTier 1Medical Sciences concept

Coagulation cascade - factor roles

Core concept

  • In vivo the cell-based model applies; the intrinsic/extrinsic waterfall survives only because it maps onto the lab tests
A. Initiation - on the TF-bearing cell
  • Vascular injury exposes tissue factor (subendothelial fibroblasts, SMC)
  • TF + VII -> TF:VIIa complex = the physiological trigger
    • -> activates X (and IX)
    • -> Xa + Va -> trace thrombin (too little to make clot)
B. Amplification - trace thrombin as the switch
  • Activates platelets; activates V, VIII, XI
  • Splits VIII off VWF
C. Propagation - on the activated platelet surface
  • Tenase IXa + VIIIa -> Xa
  • Prothrombinase Xa + Va -> thrombin burst
  • Fibrinogen -> fibrin; XIIIa cross-links

3 more sections, plus exam facts

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