Final answer:
The cerebral arteries are the most common site for an embolic occlusion, which can cause an ischemic stroke. A pulmonary embolism occurs when an embolus lodges in the pulmonary artery, also a frequent site of embolic blockage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common site of embolic occlusion is often a cerebral artery, which can lead to an ischemic stroke. This occurs when an embolus, typically a blood clot that has broken off from an atherosclerotic plaque or formed in the heart due to arrhythmia, travels through the bloodstream to the brain and lodges in an artery, thereby obstructing blood flow. If a clot-busting drug is administrated within a few hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, it may prevent permanent damage by restoring the flow of oxygen to brain cells that are at risk of death from the lack of oxygen.
Another critical site for an embolic occlusion is the pulmonary artery, in which case it is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). An embolus that lodges in the heart can cause a heart attack, and an embolus in the lungs may cause a PE, both of which are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.