What term describes the breaking up of a blood clot?

Thrombolysis refers to the medical process in which a blood clot (thrombus) is dissolved. It involves the use of specific substances, such as clot-dissolving medications, to break down the fibrin that makes up the blood clot. This process is crucial in treating conditions such as heart attacks or strokes, where a blockage in blood flow needs to be quickly resolved to restore circulation and reduce damage to tissues.

Thrombus formation, on the other hand, is the formation of a clot itself, while thrombosis refers to the process of clotting where the clot persists, potentially leading to obstruction. Embolization involves the movement of a blood clot or debris that travels to another location in the bloodstream and can cause blockages elsewhere, which is different from the process of breaking down an existing clot. Therefore, thrombolysis accurately captures the intended action of breaking apart a clot, making it the correct term in this context.