HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which statement correctly describes an embolus?

1. It is always harmful.

2. It can be a travel medium for medication.

3. It is a type of dental treatment.

4. It can be a part of blood flow.

The correct answer is: It is always harmful.

An embolus is defined as a substance that travels through the bloodstream, which can include solids, liquids, or gases. While it's true that an embolus can sometimes be harmful, such as when it causes a blockage in blood vessels leading to conditions like stroke or pulmonary embolism, the statement that an embolus is always harmful is not accurate. The correct response highlights that an embolus can also play a role in medical treatments, including being a vehicle for delivering medications. For example, certain procedures can involve intentionally using an embolic agent to block blood flow selectively to a tumor. Additionally, emboli can be part of natural blood flow in the sense that small fragments can break away from clots or plaques. Therefore, understanding the nuanced nature of an embolus is important in both medical and dental contexts, particularly when considering how it interacts with the body and its potential uses in treatments.