Ischemia and infarction are related conditions affecting blood flow to tissues, but they differ in severity and outcome.
Understanding Ischemia
Ischemia refers to a decrease in blood flow to a tissue, leading to a shortage of oxygen. According to the provided reference, this oxygen shortage is called hypoxia.
Understanding Infarction
Infarction, on the other hand, represents a more severe condition. It occurs when blood flow to a tissue is completely cut off. The reference highlights that this total blockage results in necrosis, which is cell death.
Ischemia vs. Infarction: Key Differences
The primary distinction lies in the degree of blood flow restriction and its consequences:
| Feature | Ischemia | Infarction |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow | Decreased blood flow (hypoxia) | Completely cut off blood flow (necrosis) |
| Tissue Damage | Potential for reversible damage | Irreversible tissue death |
| Outcome | Tissue dysfunction, but potentially recovery | Tissue death, loss of function |
In simpler terms: Ischemia is like having a partially blocked pipe, while infarction is like having the pipe completely blocked off.
