embolus

An embolus is a mass, such as a blood clot, air bubble, fat droplet, or other substance, that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel, blocking blood flow. This blockage can disrupt oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, potentially causing serious conditions like stroke, heart attack, or organ damage. Emboli often originate from elsewhere in the body and are carried through the blood until they become lodged in narrower blood vessels, leading to an abrupt interruption of circulation in the affected area.