Coagulation factors are proteins in the blood that play a crucial role in the process of blood clotting. When a blood vessel is injured, these factors work together in a complex cascade to form a clot, preventing excessive bleeding. There are several coagulation factors, each identified by a Roman numeral, such as Factor I (fibrinogen) and Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor).
These factors are produced mainly in the liver and are essential for maintaining hemostasis, the balance between bleeding and clotting. A deficiency or dysfunction in any of these factors can lead to bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, where the body struggles to form clots effectively.