Understanding Arterial Blockages in the Cardiovascular System
Question:
A(n) ________ is any organic or nonorganic material blocking an artery.
Choices:
- Embolus
- Plaque
- Thrombus
- Thrombin
Answer:
To determine the correct term, let’s examine the definitions of each option:
Embolus: A foreign substance (organic or nonorganic) that travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a blood vessel, causing a blockage. Examples include a blood clot, fat droplet, air bubble, or other material that originated elsewhere in the body.
Plaque: A buildup of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium, and cellular waste that accumulates gradually on the inner walls of arteries. Plaque develops over time and remains in place rather than traveling.
Thrombus: A blood clot that forms directly within a blood vessel and remains attached to its point of origin. Unlike an embolus, a thrombus does not travel through the bloodstream.
Thrombin: An enzyme involved in blood clotting. It converts fibrinogen into fibrin during the coagulation cascade but is not itself a blockage.
Conclusion:
The correct term that describes any material (organic or nonorganic) that travels through the bloodstream and blocks an artery is:
✔️ Embolus