Figure 1.

Extrinsic coagulation cascade initiated by the tissue factor-coagulation factor VII pathway. TF-fVIIa complex formation on the plasma membrane triggers an extrinsic coagulation cascade in response to injury. The TF-fVIIa complex located on the cell surface initiates the coagulation cascade by activating factor X via two different (coagulation factor IX-dependent or -independent) routes. This leads to fibrin deposition via the formation of thrombin. Blood coagulation completes by clot formation with other factors, such as platelets and red blood cells. FVII: Coagulation factor VII (fVII); TF: Tissue factor.