Blood Coagulation Cascade

The blood coagulation cascade is a complex series of enzymatic reactions that result in the formation of a stable blood clot, playing a critical role in hemostasis—the process that stops bleeding after vascular injury. The cascade involves the sequential activation of specific plasma proteins known as clotting factors, most of which are serine proteases. These factors circulate in an inactive form (zymogens) and become activated through limited proteolysis during the cascade. Defects or deficiencies in any component can lead to bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia A from FVIII deficiency). Overactivity can contribute to pathological thrombosis.

Other names

Coagulation CascadeClotting CascadeHemostasis Cascade

Inhibition of specific clotting factors (e.g., Factor Xa, Thrombin), Platelet aggregation inhibition.