Infarct
Infarct
Infarct (/ɪnˈfɑːrkt/), derived from the Latin infarctus, meaning "stuffed into", is a term used in medicine to describe an area of tissue that dies (necrosis) due to lack of blood supply. This can occur in any tissue or organ, resulting in an infarction.
Etymology
The term "infarct" comes from the Latin infarctus, past participle of infringere meaning "to stuff" or "to cram". This refers to the process where blood supply is blocked, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, causing the tissue to become 'stuffed' or filled with dead cells.
Types of Infarct
There are two main types of infarcts: Ischemic Infarct and Hemorrhagic Infarct.
- An Ischemic Infarct occurs when the blood supply to an area is blocked, often by a blood clot. This is the most common type of infarct and can occur in many organs, including the brain (causing a stroke), heart (causing a heart attack), and lungs.
- A Hemorrhagic Infarct occurs when there is bleeding into the infarcted area. This is less common but can be very serious, as it can cause further damage to the surrounding tissue.
Related Terms
- Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body. Causes of necrosis include lack of blood supply (infarction), severe injury, and infection.
- Ischemia: A condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the body's tissues, causing a lack of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism. Ischemia often leads to infarction.
- Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. Thrombosis can lead to infarction if it blocks the blood supply to an area of tissue.
- Stroke: A condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, usually by a blood clot, leading to an ischemic infarct in the brain.
- Myocardial Infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack, this occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot, leading to an ischemic infarct in the heart muscle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infarct
- Wikipedia's article - Infarct
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