Which type of embolism occurs due to a thrombus traveling from another location?

The correct choice pertains to pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a thrombus, often originating in the deep veins of the legs (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis), breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. This can lead to serious complications, as it obstructs blood flow and disrupts the exchange of oxygen.

In the context of embolic events, it's important to understand that pulmonary embolism specifically involves thrombotic material (a clot), whereas other types of embolism, such as cerebral embolism or coronary embolism, refer to emboli that affect the brain or heart correspondingly. Fat embolism, on the other hand, involves fat globules entering the bloodstream, usually after a fracture or certain surgical procedures, rather than a thrombus. The ability of a thrombus to travel from one vascular site to another and cause significant impact in the lungs as seen in pulmonary embolism is what distinguishes it from the other options listed.