Thrombus and embolism are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. A thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a vessel, while an embolism is a clot that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an artery or vein.
Thrombus
A thrombus, also known as a blood clot, is a solid mass of blood cells and proteins. It forms when the flow of blood is disrupted, such as when the walls of a blood vessel become damaged or when something interferes with the normal flow of blood. Thrombi can form in arteries, veins, and even in the heart. When a thrombus forms in an artery, it can block the flow of blood, leading to a stroke or heart attack.
Embolism
An embolism is a clot that forms somewhere else in the body and then travels through the bloodstream until it lodges in an artery or vein. Emboli can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease, blood clots, air bubbles, fat, amniotic fluid, and even tumor cells. When an embolus lodges in an artery, it can block the flow of blood, leading to a stroke or heart attack.
The Main Difference
The main difference between thrombus and embolism is that a thrombus is a clot that forms inside a vessel, while an embolism is a clot that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an artery or vein.