Definition
noun, plural: thrombi
A blood clot that forms in the wall of blood vessels or inside the heart, and remains at the site of formation where it often cause thrombosis, impeding blood flow
Supplement
A thrombus is made from aggregates of platelets and fibrin that entrap cellular elements at the site where it forms. It remains at the site where it may cause thrombosis. In larger blood vessels, the thrombus may hinder blood flow. However, in smaller vessels, it may occlude blood flow, resulting in the death of the affected tissue.
Word origin: Greek thrombos (clot)
Compare:
- embolus (pathology)
See also:
Related term(s):
- white thrombus
- red thrombus
- propagated thrombus
- infective thrombus
- ball-valve thrombus
- ball thrombus
