Dictionary > Extrinsic pathway

Extrinsic pathway

Definition
noun
(1) (hematology) One of the two initial pathways for the conversion of the prothrombin to thrombin in the coagulation cascade of hemostasis. The pathway is initiated by a trauma to the vascular wall or a trauma to extra-vascular tissues.
(2) (cell biology) One of the two apoptotic pathways identified by bypassing the mitochondria, direct activation of caspases, and the binding of extracellular ligands to initiate specific pro-apoptotic receptors on the cell surface.
Supplement
Word origin: Latin extrinsecus (from without, without, on the outside)
Synonym(s):

  • tissue factor pathway (hematology)

Compare:

  • intrinsic pathway


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