Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle
The clue for today's crossword puzzle is "Area of dead tissue caused by loss of blood supply," and the answer is "INFARCT."
An infarct is a medical term used to describe an area of dead tissue in the body that occurs due to a lack of blood supply. It typically happens when a blood vessel supplying a specific area becomes blocked or obstructed, preventing the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients. As a result, the affected tissue undergoes necrosis, or cell death.
There are several reasons why an infarct may occur:
- Atherosclerosis: This condition involves the build-up of plaque and fatty deposits inside the arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow.
- Embolism: When a blood clot or other foreign material travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a smaller vessel, it can obstruct blood flow to a particular region.
- Thrombosis: This refers to the formation of a blood clot directly at the site of the narrowed or damaged blood vessel, causing a blockage.
When an infarct occurs, it can have significant consequences depending on the affected area. For example:
- Myocardial infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack, this happens when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood supply, leading to permanent damage.
- Cerebral infarction: Also referred to as a stroke, this occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to a region of the brain, resulting in brain cell death and potential neurological impairments.
- Pulmonary infarction: This occurs in the lungs when a blood clot obstructs the blood vessels, leading to tissue damage and potential respiratory complications.
Overall, "infarct" is the appropriate answer for the given crossword clue because it accurately describes an area of dead tissue caused by a loss of blood supply. It is a specific medical term commonly used in the field of pathology and relevant to various conditions affecting different organs.
Definition of "INFARCT"
a small localized area of dead tissue resulting from failure of blood supply.
That crossword clue published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s.
Crossword | Date | Answer |
The Times Specialist | 6 May 2018 | INFARCT |