The term was coined in 1848 by Rudolf Virchow  . Nomenclature The term embolus refers generally to any free-floating mass in the bloodstream. A related term is embolism, which describes the phenomenon of an embolus lodging in a vessel and creating a blockage. An embolism is  a consequence of an embolus, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both emboli and embolisms are usually named according to their composite substance. Classification by substance The physical composition of the embolic material is the defining feature for classification, and this composition reflects the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism of the embolus' formation. Furthermore, different types of emboli result in different types of embolisms, each with distinct clinical characteristics. Type of EmbolismComposition of EmbolusRelative Frequency (Estimated)Thromboembolismembolism of thrombus (blood clot)CommonCholesterol embolismembolism of cholesterol, often from atherosclerotic plaque inside a vesselCommonFat embolismembolism of bone fracture or fat dropletsRareAir (Gas) embolismembolism of air bubblesRareAmniotic fluid embolismembolism of amniotic fluid, foetal cells, hair, or other debris that enters the mother's bloodstream via the placental bed of the uterus and triggers an allergic reactionVery RareTissue embolismembolism of small fragments of tissueVery RareForeign body embolismembolism of foreign materials such as talc and other small objectsVery RareSeptic embolismembolism of bacteria-containing pusVery Rare In thromboembolism, the thrombus (blood clot) from a blood vessel is completely or partially detached from the site of thrombosis (clot). The blood flow will then carry the embolus (via blood vessels) to various parts of the body where it can block the lumen (vessel cavity) and cause vessel obstruction or occlusion. The free-moving thrombus is called an embolus. A thrombus is always attached to the vessel wall and is never freely moving in the blood circulation. This is also the key difference for pathologists to determine the cause of a blood clot, either by thrombosis or by post-mortem blood clot. Vessel obstruction will then lead to different pathological issues such as blood stasis and ischemia. However, not only thromboembolism will cause the obstruction of blood flow in vessels, but also any kind of embolism is capable of causing the same problem. History  
The term was coined in 1848 by Rudolf Virchow as part of his foundational research into blood clots . Nomenclature The term embolus refers generally to any free-floating mass in the bloodstream. A related term is embolism, which describes the phenomenon of an embolus lodging in a vessel and creating a blockage. An embolism is technically a consequence of an embolus, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both emboli and embolisms are usually named according to their composite substance. Classification by substance The physical composition of the embolic material is the defining feature for classification, and this composition reflects the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism of the embolus' formation. Furthermore, different types of emboli result in different types of embolisms, each with distinct clinical characteristics. SyndromeCausal Embolus CompositionRelative Frequency (Estimated)Thromboembolismembolism of thrombus (blood clot)CommonCholesterol embolismembolism of cholesterol, often from atherosclerotic plaque inside a vesselCommonFat embolismembolism of bone fracture or fat dropletsRareAir (Gas) embolismembolism of air bubblesRareAmniotic fluid embolismembolism of amniotic fluid, foetal cells, hair, or other debris that enters the mother's bloodstream via the placental bed of the uterus and triggers an allergic reactionVery RareTissue embolismembolism of small fragments of tissueVery RareForeign body embolismembolism of foreign materials such as talc and other small objectsVery RareSeptic embolismembolism of bacteria-containing pusVery Rare In thromboembolism, the thrombus (blood clot) from a blood vessel is completely or partially detached from the site of thrombosis (clot). The blood flow will then carry the embolus (via blood vessels) to various parts of the body where it can block the lumen (vessel cavity) and cause vessel obstruction or occlusion. The free-moving thrombus is called an embolus. A thrombus is always attached to the vessel wall and is never freely moving in the blood circulation. This is also the key difference for pathologists to determine the cause of a blood clot, either by thrombosis or by post-mortem blood clot. Vessel obstruction will then lead to different pathological issues such as blood stasis and ischemia. However, not only thromboembolism will cause the obstruction of blood flow in vessels, but also any kind of embolism is capable of causing the same problem. History Rudolf Virchow, the German physician and "father of pathology", is generally credited with the first explanation of the relationship between thrombi, emboli, and embolisms. He coined the terms embolism (initially called "Embolia") and thrombosis while proposing a hypothesis for the pathophysiology of pulmonary thromboembolism. In his work, he described the consequences of thrombosis and the factors leading thereto, a concept which today is known as Virchow's Triad. However, there is some dispute regarding certain aspects of this attribution.
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as part of his foundational research into blood clots
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technically
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Type of EmbolismComposition of EmbolusRelative
SyndromeCausal Embolus CompositionRelative
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Rudolf Virchow, the German physician and "father of pathology", is generally credited with the first explanation of the relationship between thrombi, emboli, and embolisms. He coined the terms embolism (initially called "Embolia") and thrombosis while proposing a hypothesis for the pathophysiology of pulmonary thromboembolism.
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In his work, he described the consequences of thrombosis and the factors leading thereto, a concept which today is known as Virchow's Triad. However, there is some dispute regarding certain aspects of this attribution.