An embolus is defined as which of the following?

An embolus is defined as which of the following?

• A. A blood clot that forms in place
• B. A clot or fragment that travels in the bloodstream
• C. A clot or fragment of a clot that dislodges and is carried away by the blood
• D. A bacterial infection in a vessel

Answer: (C)

An embolus is a detached intravascular mass that travels through the bloodstream and can lodge at a distant site, causing obstruction. The most precise description here emphasizes that it dislodges from its origin and is carried away by the blood, which is the defining feature of an embolus. It specifies a clot or fragment of a clot, which is a common type (thromboembolus), but the crucial point is the detachment and continued travel to occlude vessels downstream. The other options describe a clot forming in place, an infection in a vessel, or omit the important element of detachment and distant travel, which are why they’re not the best fit.

An embolus is a detached intravascular mass that travels through the bloodstream and can lodge at a distant site, causing obstruction. The most precise description here emphasizes that it dislodges from its origin and is carried away by the blood, which is the defining feature of an embolus. It specifies a clot or fragment of a clot, which is a common type (thromboembolus), but the crucial point is the detachment and continued travel to occlude vessels downstream. The other options describe a clot forming in place, an infection in a vessel, or omit the important element of detachment and distant travel, which are why they’re not the best fit.