Pathology Flashcards: Thrombosis, Embolism, DIC, and Shock

Vocabulary flashcards covering key pathological terms and definitions related to hemostasis, thrombosis, embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and circulatory shock based on the lecture transcript.

Hemostasis

The normal process that keeps blood fluid inside intact vessels and stops bleeding after vessel injury.

Platelet adhesion

The attachment of platelets to an injured vessel wall.

Platelet activation

The process in which platelets release mediators that recruit and activate more platelets and support coagulation.

Platelet aggregation

The sticking of platelets to one another to form a hemostatic plug.

Thrombosis

Pathological formation of a blood clot inside a vessel or the heart during life.

Thrombus

A clot formed within a blood vessel or the heart.

Virchow's triad

The three major factors favoring thrombosis: endothelial or endocardial injury, abnormal blood flow, and hypercoagulability.

Laminar blood flow

Blood flow in parallel layers, with cells mainly in the faster central stream and plasma near the vessel wall.

Turbulent blood flow

Disordered blood flow that disrupts normal laminar flow, particularly promoting thrombosis in arteries and the heart.

Stasis

Markedly slowed or stagnant blood flow, which is particularly important in venous thrombosis.

Aneurysm

A localised abnormal dilation of a blood vessel or part of the heart.

Auricle

The atrial appendage, a pouch extending from an atrium.

Mural thrombus

A thrombus attached to the wall of a heart chamber or large vessel.

Hypercoagulability

An increased tendency of blood to clot.

Factor V Leiden

An inherited factor V mutation that makes activated factor V resistant to inactivation by activated protein C.

Lines of Zahn

Alternating pale platelet-and-fibrin layers and darker red-cell-rich layers in a thrombus.

Valvular vegetations

Thrombotic masses attached to heart valves, which may be infected or sterile.

Thrombus propagation

Enlargement of a thrombus by further accumulation of platelets and fibrin.

Thrombus embolisation

The process where part or all of a thrombus detaches and travels in the circulation.

Thrombus dissolution

The breakdown of a thrombus by fibrinolysis.

Thrombus organisation

Ingrowth of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts that replaces a thrombus with granulation tissue and eventually fibrous tissue.

Thrombus recanalisation

Formation of channels through an organised thrombus that restore some blood flow.

Pitting edema

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation that leaves an indentation after pressure is applied.

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein associated with a thrombus.

Thrombolysis

Breakdown of an existing thrombus using fibrinolytic medication.

Embolus

Detached solid, liquid, or gaseous material carried through the circulation.

Embolism

Obstruction of a vessel by material carried there through the circulation.

Thromboembolus

An embolus that originated as a detached portion or whole of a thrombus that travels in the circulation.

Saddle pulmonary embolus

An embolus lodged across the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery.

Fat embolism syndrome

A syndrome occurring $24\text{--}72\text{ hours}$ after a long-bone fracture, characterized by respiratory insufficiency, neurological disturbances, a petechial rash, and thrombocytopenia.

Air embolism

Entry of air into the circulation that obstructs blood flow.

Amniotic fluid embolism

A severe maternal reaction during labor, delivery, or postpartum associated with amniotic fluid or fetal material entering the maternal circulation.

Tumor embolus

A cluster of tumor cells carried in blood or lymphatic vessels that can contribute to metastasis.

Cholesterol embolus

Cholesterol-containing material released from an atherosclerotic plaque into downstream vessels, appearing as needle-like empty clefts on routine histological sections.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

A thrombohemorrhagic disorder marked by widespread activation of coagulation causing microvascular thrombi, consumption of platelets and clotting factors, and bleeding.

Hageman factor

Coagulation factor XII.

Placental abruption

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.

Circulatory shock

Acute circulatory failure causing inadequate effective tissue perfusion.

Oliguria

Reduced urine output caused by lowered kidney perfusion.

Cardiogenic shock

Inadequate tissue perfusion caused by failure of the heart to pump effectively.

Obstructive shock

Inadequate circulation caused by a mechanical obstruction to cardiac filling or blood flow.

Distributive shock

Inadequate tissue perfusion caused by abnormal distribution of blood, usually due to loss of vascular tone.

Hypovolemic shock

Inadequate tissue perfusion due to reduced circulating blood volume.

Oligoanuria

Very little or virtually no urine production.

Paralytic ileus

Failure of intestinal movement without a mechanical blockage.