A thrombus and a thrombosis are related medical terms that are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings. A thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel or at the site of a wound, typically due to a disruption in blood flow. A thrombosis, on the other hand, is the medical condition that results from the presence of a thrombus.
A thrombus is a localized aggregation of platelets and fibrin that form in response to an injury in the blood vessel wall. The platelets aggregate at the site of injury, where they release chemicals that attract fibrin, creating a clot. The clot acts as a plug, preventing further bleeding and providing a temporary seal. Over time, the clot can become larger, obstructing blood flow completely, leading to a thrombosis.
A thrombosis is a medical condition caused by the obstruction of a blood vessel by a thrombus. The obstruction can lead to reduced or blocked blood flow, which can cause tissue damage and even death. Thromboses can occur in any blood vessel, but they are most common in veins in the leg, where they are known as deep vein thromboses (DVTs). Thromboses can also occur in the arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke.
In summary, a thrombus is a blood clot that forms due to an injury in the blood vessel wall, while a thrombosis is the medical condition caused by the obstruction of a blood vessel by a thrombus. Both can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly.