Intrinsic pathway

Definition

The intrinsic pathway is a cascade of clotting factors leading to the formation of a blood clot, initiated within the bloodstream by the activation of platelets without external trauma. It is part of the body's hemostasis process, which prevents excessive bleeding when blood vessels are injured.

Related terms

Hemostasis:

The physiological process that stops bleeding at the site of an injury while maintaining blood in a fluid state within the vascular system.

Coagulation:

A part of hemostasis that involves blood changing from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot, through cascades like the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

Platelets:

Small blood cells that play a crucial role in wound healing and blood clot formation by adhering to the site of blood vessel injury