Key Area 7
(b) Thrombosis
(b) Thrombosis
Atheromas may rupture and this can, unsurprisingly, lead to complications. In this section, we look at the condition known as thrombosis.
Atheromas may rupture and this can, unsurprisingly, lead to complications. In this section, we look at the condition known as thrombosis.
Something to Read...
Something to Read...
Open the document below and read the mandatory course notes provided by SQA for this Key Area. You may wish to use your home learning time to copy these notes into a jotter or choose a digital presentation format that suits your learning style.
Something to Watch...
Something to Watch...
Something to look at...
Something to look at...
The diagram below summarises the clotting cascade. Atheromas may rupture and damage the endothelium of blood vessels. The damage releases clotting factors that activate a cascade of reactions. The first step is the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin causes fibrinogen to forms threads of fibrin, which form a meshwork that clots the blood.
The diagram below summarises the clotting cascade. Atheromas may rupture and damage the endothelium of blood vessels. The damage releases clotting factors that activate a cascade of reactions. The first step is the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin causes fibrinogen to forms threads of fibrin, which form a meshwork that clots the blood.
In some cases, a thrombus breaks loose forming an embolus, which travels through the bloodstream until it blocks a blood vessel.
In some cases, a thrombus breaks loose forming an embolus, which travels through the bloodstream until it blocks a blood vessel.
A thrombosis in a coronary artery (left) may lead to a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack.
A thrombosis in a coronary artery (left) may lead to a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack.
A thrombosis in an artery in the brain (right) may lead to a stroke.
A thrombosis in an artery in the brain (right) may lead to a stroke.
In both cases, cells are deprived of oxygen leading to death of tissues.
In both cases, cells are deprived of oxygen leading to death of tissues.
You are now ready for your in-class lesson on thrombosis.
You are now ready for your in-class lesson on thrombosis.
You are now ready to move onto Key Area 7c: Peripheral vascular disorders.
You are now ready to move onto Key Area 7c: Peripheral vascular disorders.
