What term is used to refer to a clot that breaks off and travels through the bloodstream?

The term used to refer to a clot that breaks off and travels through the bloodstream is "embolus." An embolus can originate from a thrombus, which is a stationary blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and can detach, entering the bloodstream. Once it dislodges, it can travel to different parts of the body, potentially causing blockages in smaller blood vessels, which can result in serious health complications.

In contrast, a thrombus stays in place until it either dissolves or causes a blockage. An aneurysm is a localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall, which is not directly related to the movement of blood clots. Hemorrhage refers to the escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, which does not pertain to the concept of traveling clots. Hence, the correct term for a clot that has moved through the bloodstream is indeed an embolus.