Factor X
Factor X
Factor X (pronounced as "factor ten") is a serine protease (enzyme) that plays a key role in the blood coagulation cascade, a complex process that stops bleeding when blood vessels are injured.
Etymology
The term "Factor X" is derived from the Roman numeral for 10. It was the tenth clotting factor to be discovered.
Function
Factor X is activated by both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of the blood coagulation cascade. Once activated, Factor X (now referred to as Factor Xa) converts prothrombin into thrombin, which then converts fibrinogen into fibrin, the protein that forms a blood clot.
Related Terms
- Factor X deficiency: A rare bleeding disorder that occurs when the body does not produce enough Factor X.
- Factor Xa inhibitors: A class of anticoagulant drugs that work by blocking the activity of Factor Xa.
- Prothrombin: A protein present in blood plasma that is converted into active thrombin during coagulation.
- Thrombin: An enzyme in blood plasma that causes the clotting of blood by converting fibrinogen to fibrin.
- Fibrinogen: A protein in the blood plasma that is essential for the coagulation of blood.
- Fibrin: An insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen during the clotting of blood, forming a fibrous mesh that impedes the flow of blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Factor X
- Wikipedia's article - Factor X
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