NOT a component of Virchow triad: March 2013
**Core Concept**
The Virchow triad is a fundamental concept in hematology and clinical medicine, describing the three primary factors that contribute to thrombosis: blood flow alterations, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability. This triad is essential for understanding the pathophysiology of thrombotic disorders.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Virchow triad is composed of three key components: blood flow alterations (including stasis and turbulence), endothelial injury (damage to the inner lining of blood vessels), and hypercoagulability (an imbalance in the coagulation system that promotes clot formation). The correct answer will not be one of these three established components.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe a component of the Virchow triad.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe a component of the Virchow triad.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe a component of the Virchow triad.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe a component of the Virchow triad.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Virchow triad is often remembered using the mnemonic "Vir-chow's triad": V (Vascular damage), I (Injury to the blood vessel wall), and H (Hypercoagulability). This mnemonic can help students recall the three components of the triad.
**Correct Answer:** D.