Final answer:
The extrinsic clotting pathway is triggered by trauma and the intrinsic pathway by damage within the bloodstream; both lead to the common pathway, resulting in fibrin clot formation. Clotting factor disorders can affect this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Clotting Pathways
The extrinsic pathway is initiated by trauma and involves the activation of clotting factors outside the bloodstream. In contrast, the intrinsic pathway begins within the bloodstream due to internal damage to the vessel wall. Both pathways lead to the common pathway, where fibrin is formed to produce a stable clot. Activation of factor X by either pathway leads to the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which then turns fibrinogen into fibrin. Finally, factor XIII stabilizes the blood clot.
Disorders affecting hemostasis can arise when there are deficiencies or malfunctions in the clotting factors, such as Hemophilia and Vitamin K deficiency, disrupting the complex coagulation process.