The extrinsic pathway, also known as the death receptor pathway, is a mechanism by which cells undergo apoptosis in response to external signals. This pathway involves the activation of cell surface receptors known as death receptors, which belong to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Key players in this pathway include receptors like Fas (CD95), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), and TRAIL receptors (DR4 and DR5).
