A blood clot within a blood vessel is called what?

A blood clot within a blood vessel is called what?

• A. Thrombus
• B. Embolus
• C. Aneurysm
• D. Plaque

Answer: (A)

The main concept is distinguishing terms for clots and vessel changes. A thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a vessel and stays at that location, blocking flow at that spot. An embolus is a clot or other material that breaks free and travels through the bloodstream to lodge elsewhere, causing a blockage downstream. An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area of a vessel wall, not a clot. Plaque is fatty buildup inside an artery that narrows it, also not a clot. Since the clot described is forming inside a vessel and remaining there, the correct term is thrombus.

The main concept is distinguishing terms for clots and vessel changes. A thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a vessel and stays at that location, blocking flow at that spot. An embolus is a clot or other material that breaks free and travels through the bloodstream to lodge elsewhere, causing a blockage downstream. An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area of a vessel wall, not a clot. Plaque is fatty buildup inside an artery that narrows it, also not a clot. Since the clot described is forming inside a vessel and remaining there, the correct term is thrombus.