What term describes the death of tissue resulting from reduced blood supply?

Prepare for the North Seattle College EMT Entrance Exam. Study with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness!

The term that describes the death of tissue resulting from reduced blood supply is infarct. An infarct is a localized area of tissue that has died due to a lack of blood flow, often caused by a blockage of blood vessels. This blockage can prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching the tissue, leading to cell death.

When tissue is deprived of blood flow, the cells within that area can no longer sustain their metabolic activities and eventually become necrotic. An infarct is typically used to refer specifically to the area of tissue that has died following such an event, which distinguishes it from the broader concept of ischemia, where blood supply is reduced but tissue may not yet be dead. Thus, an infarct is a specific condition that results from severe ischemia, culminating in tissue death. Understanding this distinction is important in the medical field, especially in recognizing and treating conditions related to tissue perfusion and viability.

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