What term describes an excessive volume of blood in the body?

The term "plethora" specifically refers to an excessive volume of blood in the body. In a medical context, it can indicate a condition where there is an increase in blood volume or a heightened degree of vascular fullness. This could be due to various factors, such as certain medical conditions that affect blood production or fluid retention, leading to an overabundance of blood within the circulatory system.

The other terms represent different medical concepts. A "thrombus" is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel and remains attached to its place of origin. An "embolus" refers to a clot or other debris that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel, potentially causing blockage. "Circulatory shock" is a critical condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to supply enough blood to the body's tissues, typically leading to inadequate organ perfusion and may result from several causes, including loss of blood volume. Understanding the definition and context of "plethora" helps clarify its significance in pathology and the implications of excessive blood volume in medical scenarios.