Final answer:
In the formation of a blood clot via the intrinsic pathway, the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin is a critical step. Factor X activation leads to the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which in turn converts fibrinogen to fibrin. Fibrin strands form the basis of the blood clot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The critical step in the formation of a blood clot by way of the intrinsic pathway is the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Once factor X has been activated by either the intrinsic or extrinsic pathway, the enzyme prothrombinase converts factor II, the inactive enzyme prothrombin, into the active enzyme thrombin. Thrombin then converts factor I, the soluble fibrinogen, into the insoluble fibrin protein strands, which form the basis of the blood clot.