Coagulation

There are two pathways in which coagulation occurs.

These include: extrinsic pathways and intrinsic pathways.

Both the extrinsic pathway, which is where the damaged tissues from outside the wound cause a release of chemical mediators and the intrinsic pathway, which is where the blood (leaving the body through a wound) comes into contact with the collagen and stimulates the release of chemical mediators.

Through both of these coagulation pathways, the common pathway (factor X) is started, and this leads to the clotting cascade. If you’re interested in the full details of the coagulation pathways, please see the Clotting Cascade page.

Through this pathway, the common pathway (factor X) causes platelet phospholipids, factor X and factor V, and Caa Ions to join together and form Prothrombinase. This then converst teh soluble plasma protein Prothrombin into the enzyme thrombin. This then converst Fibrinogen into an insoluble protein called fibrin.

Are we confused yet? Yeah, so am I… but don’t worry, this is one of those things that’s interesting to learn about, but once you’re qualified you probably wont worry about too much… (unless you’re reading this because you’re a Medical Student – then you better concentrate).