At the cool temperature (about 86° F.) of superficial venous blood in the lower extremity, blood viscosity is significantly increased, favoring stasis, the clotting mechanism is retarded, and the resulting clots are fragile and adhere weakly to vein walls. These findings may have pertinence in regard to the tendency for thrombi formed in cool vascular beds, such as those of the lower leg, to give rise to emboli.
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