The common pathway is sometimes referred to as the final common pathway or thrombin pathway. It starts with the activation of factor X by way of the intrinsic pathway, the extrinsic pathway, or both.
Factor X is also referred to as either Stuart-Prower Factor or Thrombokinase. It is produced in the liver and is vitamin K dependent.
Activated factor X (Xa), in the presence of factor V (necessary cofactor), ionized calcium, and platelet factor act to convert prothrombin (precursor) to its active form, thrombin, by cleaving the prothrombin molecule.