What does embolism refer to?

Embolism specifically refers to the blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus, which can be a blood clot, air bubble, fat droplet, or other substance that travels through the bloodstream until it lodges in a blood vessel, obstructing blood flow. This blockage can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage or organ failure depending on the location and severity of the obstruction. Understanding this term is crucial in medical contexts, as prompt identification and treatment of an embolism can be critical for patient outcomes.

While the other options deal with related vascular issues, they denote different processes. The formation of a blood clot is termed thrombosis, while inflammation of blood vessels is called vasculitis, and the narrowing of an artery is known as stenosis. Each of these terms describes distinct phenomena not directly synonymous with embolism. This clarification helps in distinguishing the specific nature of embolism within vascular and circulatory pathologies.