2.7 DONT KNOW Flashcards
1
Q
what is atherosclerosis?
A
the formation of plaques called atheromas beneath the endothelium in the wall of an artery
2
Q
what happens when an atheroma ruptures?
A
when an atheroma ruptures, it damages the endothelium leading to the release of blood clotting factors that activate cascade of reactions
3
Q
what is thrombosis and how is it caused?
A
thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a vessel caused when an atheroma is enlarged and bursts through the endothelium and damages it
4
Q
what happens to a thrombus when it breaks free?
A
when a thrombus breaks free, it becomes an embolus travels via the vena cava and heart chambers to the pulmonary artery where it may block a small arterial branch
