What term describes an abnormal mass or growth that can obstruct blood flow?

Prepare for the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Test with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and get ready to excel on your exam!

The term that best describes an abnormal mass or growth that can obstruct blood flow is "thrombus." A thrombus is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel and remains attached to its place of origin. This can hinder blood flow, leading to various health issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, depending on its location.

On the other hand, an embolus refers to a particle or clot that travels through the bloodstream and can obstruct a vessel at a site different from where it formed. While an embolus can also obstruct blood flow, it is not specifically an abnormal growth or mass that statically lodges in a location to block flow.

The term "mass" is too broad and does not specifically imply that it relates to blood flow obstruction. It could refer to any collection of tissue or fluid, and it lacks the specificity to indicate that it requires medical attention related to circulation.

A "lesion" also describes an abnormal tissue area, but it is used more generally for any pathological or traumatic change in a tissue, such as cuts, wounds, or tumors. Similarly, "lesion" does not necessarily imply that it obstructs blood flow.

In summary, a thrombus is the most accurate term for an abnormal mass or

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