In the coagulation cascade, what are the factors involved in the extrinsic pathway?

The factors involved in the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade are specifically factors 3 and 7. The extrinsic pathway is triggered by tissue damage, which exposes tissue factor, also known as thromboplastin (factor 3). When tissue factor interacts with factor 7, it forms a complex that activates factor 10, leading to the common pathway of coagulation. This pathway is essential for rapid clot formation and is considered the initial response to vascular injury.

Understanding the role of factors 3 and 7 in the extrinsic pathway is crucial for those studying coagulation processes, particularly in clinical settings where bleeding or thrombotic disorders may be present. The extrinsic pathway is distinguished from the intrinsic pathway, which involves a different set of factors primarily involved in amplifying the coagulation response.