Question:

Which of the following factors plays the major role in the initiation of thrombus formation?

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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
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Correct answer: Endothelial injury.
Step 1: Virchow's triad lists the three primary drivers of thrombosis: (1) endothelial injury, (2) stasis or turbulent flow, and (3) hypercoagulability.
Step 2: Endothelial injury is the dominant and often sufficient initiating factor, especially in the heart and arteries. A damaged endothelium exposes subendothelial collagen and tissue factor, which then triggers platelet adhesion and the coagulation cascade.
Step 3: Why not the others. Platelet activation and coagulation cascade activation are downstream events that follow the initial endothelial injury. Vasoconstriction is part of haemostasis but is not the initiating cause of pathological thrombus.
Ref: Robbins, 9th edition, haemodynamic disorders.
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