Final answer:
A pulmonary embolism is the condition that occurs when an occluded blood vessel stops blood flow to a portion of the lungs, potentially resulting in serious health consequences including lung damage and death.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an occluded blood vessel stops blood flow to a portion of the lungs, the condition is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). This occurs when a blood clot travels through the blood vessels and becomes lodged in the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. The PE can cause a range of serious consequences including lung damage, obstructive shock, and potentially instantaneous death due to disruption of the pulmonary circulation and reduced blood flow (ischemia), leading to insufficient oxygen (hypoxia) to the affected tissues.