What is an embolism?

An embolism refers to the obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot or a foreign substance that has traveled through the bloodstream. This blockage can occur when a substance such as a blood clot, air bubble, fat globule, or other particles become dislodged and travel to a distant location in the vascular system. When the embolus reaches a blood vessel that is too narrow for it to pass through, it can obstruct blood flow, potentially leading to tissue damage or organ dysfunction.

Understanding the nature of an embolism is crucial in medical contexts, as it can lead to serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or myocardial infarction, depending on where the obstruction occurs within the body. This definition clearly distinguishes an embolism from other related terms, such as injury or inflammation of blood vessels, which describe different pathophysiological processes.