What inherited bleeding disorder results from a deficiency in blood-clotting proteins?

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency in specific blood-clotting proteins, most commonly factor VIII (in hemophilia A) or factor IX (in hemophilia B). These proteins are crucial for the proper coagulation of blood; their deficiency leads to prolonged bleeding after injuries, surgeries, or even spontaneous bleeding episodes. The lack of these clotting factors prevents the blood from clotting properly, which is the fundamental issue in hemophilia.

In contrast, hematoma refers to a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels, usually due to bleeding under the skin or in tissues, and not a deficiency in clotting factors. Hemorrhagic fever is a term used for illnesses caused by certain viruses that may lead to severe bleeding, but it is not an inherited condition like hemophilia. Fungemia describes the presence of fungi in the bloodstream, which is unrelated to blood clotting disorders. Thus, hemophilia is distinctly recognized as an inherited condition affecting blood coagulation due to the absence or insufficiency of essential clotting proteins.