Question:easy
Which of the following factors plays the major role in the initiation of thrombus formation?
Which of the following factors plays the major role in the initiation of thrombus formation?
Show Hint
Of Virchow's triad, the one that exposes collagen and tissue factor and sets everything else in motion is the initiator.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Vasoconstriction
- Coagulation cascade activation
- Platelet activation
- Endothelial injury
Show Solution
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Anchor on Virchow's triad: injury, stasis, hypercoagulability. The question asks for the initiator, so find the upstream trigger.
Sort the options: platelet activation and clotting cascade activation are both responses, not causes; they switch on only after something exposes the reactive subendothelium. Vasoconstriction is a reflex in haemostasis but it controls bleeding, it does not start a pathological clot.
The trigger: endothelial injury strips away the protective lining and uncovers collagen and tissue factor. Platelets then stick and the coagulation cascade fires. So the injury is the prime mover, and it is the single most important factor in arterial and cardiac thrombi.
Summary: endothelial injury initiates thrombosis; platelet and coagulation activation are the consequences.
Reference: haemodynamics, thrombosis.
Sort the options: platelet activation and clotting cascade activation are both responses, not causes; they switch on only after something exposes the reactive subendothelium. Vasoconstriction is a reflex in haemostasis but it controls bleeding, it does not start a pathological clot.
The trigger: endothelial injury strips away the protective lining and uncovers collagen and tissue factor. Platelets then stick and the coagulation cascade fires. So the injury is the prime mover, and it is the single most important factor in arterial and cardiac thrombi.
Summary: endothelial injury initiates thrombosis; platelet and coagulation activation are the consequences.
Reference: haemodynamics, thrombosis.
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