Thrombosis

Definition

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct the flow of blood in the circulatory system. This process becomes pathological when it occurs in vessels where it impedes blood flow to vital organs.

Related terms

Hemostasis:

The physiological process that stops bleeding at the site of an injury while maintaining blood in a fluid state within the vascular system.

Coagulation:

The part of hemostasis that involves the transformation of blood from a liquid into a gel, forming a clot to stop bleeding.

Embolism: Occurs when a clot, or part of it, breaks loose and is carried by the bloodstream to plug another vessel, potentially causing life-threatening conditions