NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

A lack of oxygen to tissue causing pain and discomfort is termed what?

1. Necrosis

2. Ischemia

3. Infraction

4. Hypoxia

The correct answer is: Ischemia

The term that refers to a lack of oxygen to tissue resulting in pain and discomfort is "ischemia." Ischemia occurs when there is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, which limits the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism and function. This reduced blood flow can lead to symptoms such as pain, which is often experienced in areas like the chest or limbs, depending on the location of the ischemic conditions. Ischemia is specifically characterized by both decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen availability, distinguishing it from other terms that relate to oxygen deprivation or tissue damage. For example, while "hypoxia" signifies a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues, it does not inherently involve the restriction of blood flow, making it less specific than ischemia. In contrast, "necrosis" refers to the death of tissue resulting from the loss of blood supply or severe cellular damage, and "infarction" describes the localized death of tissue due to an insufficient blood supply, which can occur as a result of prolonged ischemia but is a later consequence rather than the immediate experience of pain and discomfort associated with ischemia.