Cellular embolus is a medical term used to describe a blockage in blood vessels caused by an obstruction of cells. The spelling of the word "cellular embolus" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which uses symbols to represent sounds in language. The first syllable of the word, "cell," is pronounced as /sɛl/, while the second syllable, "u-lar," is pronounced /ˈjulɚ/. The last syllable, "em-bolus," is pronounced as /ˈɛm.bəl.əs/. Overall, the IPA helps to accurately represent the sounds of the word and its proper spelling.
A cellular embolus refers to a medical condition where a mass or clot consisting of cellular components, such as blood cells, fat cells, or tumor cells, becomes lodged in a blood vessel, obstructing the normal flow of blood. This can occur in arteries or veins, leading to various complications depending on the location and size of the embolus.
The term "cellular" in cellular embolus indicates that the embolus consists of cells rather than other types of substances like cholesterol or air. These cells may originate from different sources within the body. For example, in cases of fat embolism, fat cells from bone marrow or adipose tissue can enter the bloodstream and form an embolus. Similarly, cancer cells can break away from a primary tumor and travel through the blood, forming malignant emboli in distant organs.
When a cellular embolus obstructs blood flow, it can cause cellular damage, inflammation, and ischemic injury in the affected area. The consequences of a cellular embolus depend on the size and location of the obstruction. Small emboli may cause minimal or temporary symptoms, whereas larger emboli can lead to more severe complications, such as blood vessel occlusion, organ damage, or even death.
Treatment for cellular emboli typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as anticoagulant medications for blood clots or surgical removal of the embolus in certain cases. Prompt identification and early intervention are crucial to minimize potential complications and optimize patient outcomes.
An e. composed of a mass of cells transported from distintegrating tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "embolus" comes from the Greek word "embolos" meaning "plug" or "cork". It refers to a detached, solid mass or clot that is carried through the bloodstream and can potentially cause blockage in blood vessels.
The term "cellular" in "cellular embolus" indicates that the embolus consists of cells or cell fragments. These can be various types of cells, such as platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells, or tumor cells. The cellular embolus typically originates from a primary site, such as a blood clot within a vessel or a tumor.
Therefore, the etymology of "cellular embolus" is a combination of the Greek word "embolos" and the adjective "cellular", denoting a plug made up of cells or cell fragments that causes blockage in blood vessels.