What is the term for a blood clot that breaks loose and travels in the blood flow?

The term for a blood clot that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream is "embolus." An embolus is created when a thrombus, which is a stationary blood clot, dislodges and enters circulation. Once in the bloodstream, an embolus can travel to various locations in the body, where it may lodge in blood vessels, potentially causing obstruction and leading to conditions such as strokes or pulmonary embolisms.

The process of clot formation begins with a thrombus, which is a clot that has formed at a specific site, typically as a response to vascular injury. However, if that clot detaches and moves within the circulatory system, it is referred to as an embolus. Thus, the definitions of these terms highlight how the same initial structure (a thrombus) can change its classification based on whether it is stationary or mobile.

Serum refers to the liquid part of blood after the cells and clotting factors have been removed and does not pertain to clotting or mobile clots. Therefore, it is distinct from thrombus and embolus. Understanding these definitions and their implications is crucial in the study of cardiovascular health and pathology.