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formation of a blood clot in a vein

normal blood flow

normal venous blood flow (cross-section)
slide 1 of 3
slide 1 of 3, normal blood flow,

normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing to the heart.

blood clot forming

normal venous blood flow (cross-section)
slide 2 of 3
slide 2 of 3, blood clot forming,

a blood clot can form when the valve in a vein does not work properly. if the valve does not open normally, blood cells can collect behind the valve and begin to stick together to form a clot.

formed blood clot

normal venous blood flow (cross-section)
slide 3 of 3
slide 3 of 3, formed blood clot,

when a blood clot gets large enough, it can stop the flow of blood in the vein.

current as of: august 6, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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