Factor XII

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Factor XII

Factor XII, also known as Hageman factor (pronounced: HAY-ge-man), is a protein that plays a crucial role in the human body's blood clotting process, also known as coagulation.

Etymology

The protein was named after John Hageman, the patient in whom it was first discovered.

Function

Factor XII is part of the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. It is activated by contact with negatively charged surfaces, a process known as contact activation. Once activated, Factor XII triggers a series of reactions that ultimately lead to the formation of a blood clot.

Related Terms

  • Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
  • Intrinsic pathway: One of two major pathways in the coagulation cascade, it is initiated within the blood itself by the activation of Factor XII.
  • Contact activation: The process by which Factor XII is activated, initiating the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
  • Blood clot: A gel-like mass formed by platelets and fibrin in the blood to stop bleeding.

Clinical Significance

Deficiency of Factor XII does not cause abnormal bleeding, unlike deficiencies of other clotting factors. However, it can lead to a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test, which measures the time it takes for blood to clot.

Factor XII deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that is usually discovered during routine blood tests. It is typically not treated, as it does not cause any significant health problems.

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