A thrombus occurs when the hemostatic process, which normally occurs in response to injury, becomes activated in an uninjured or slightly injured vessel. A thrombus in a large blood vessel will decrease blood flow through that vessel (termed a mural thrombus). What is thrombosis?

Understanding the Context

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside one of your blood vessels or a chamber of your heart. Clots can block blood flow in your blood vessels or break free and travel elsewhere in your body. A thrombus is a blood clot that occurs inside the vascular system. Blood clots help wounds heal, but a thrombus can cause dangerous blockages.

Key Insights

Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel. These clots can partially or completely block blood flow, leading to serious health consequences like tissue death, organ damage, and functional impairment. A blood clot, or thrombus, is made mainly of platelets, fibrin, red blood cells, and white blood cells. The clotting process starts with platelet activation and the creation of a fibrin network. Thrombosis occurs when one or more blood clots develop in a blood vessel or the heart.

Final Thoughts

A thrombus (clot) forms when blood cells stick together when they shouldn’t. A clot can grow large enough to stop blood from flowing through your circulatory system and create a life-threatening situation. Thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. Healthcare professionals may also call it a thrombus. Thrombosis prevents blood from flowing through the circulatory system. Without blood flow, tissues and essential organs, like the heart, can’t get enough nutrients.

What Is a Thrombus? A thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel; they are dangerous because they may break free to become an floating embolism that can block vital arteries or veins.