The extrinsic pathway is a crucial component of the coagulation cascade, primarily responsible for initiating the blood clotting process in response to external trauma. In the context of toxicology, understanding the extrinsic pathway is essential as many toxins and chemical agents can disrupt normal coagulation, leading to severe health consequences. The extrinsic pathway involves the activation of clotting factors upon exposure to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by damaged tissues.
