Let’s talk about the Coagulation Cascade involved in Secondary Hemostasis.
Basically, there are three interrelated pathways of coagulation, each representing a unique series of biochemical reactions. These pathways are the Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and the common pathway. Each pathway is activated by a different mechanism.
The activation of the Intrinsic pathway occurs when a blood vessel is injured, exposing the subendothelial basement membrane and collagen. Both surfaces promote coagulation.
The Extrinsic coagulation pathway is activated by the release of tissue thromboplastin into the plasma from injured tissue cells.
And the common pathway begins with activation by either the intrinsic or the extrinsic pathway.