Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A thrombus is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel and remains attached to its place of origin. It can obstruct the flow of blood through the circulatory system, leading to various health complications.
The process by which bleeding is stopped via blood clot formation at sites of vessel injury.
Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents blood coagulation, thereby reducing the formation of thrombi.
Embolus: A detached intravascular mass (solid, liquid, or gaseous) carried by the bloodstream to a site distant from its point of origin, which can sometimes originate from a thrombus