What does the term infarction refer to?

Infarction refers to an area of dead tissue that occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to a specific region of the body. This disruption in blood flow typically results from an obstruction, such as a blood clot or atherosclerosis, which leads to the death of the affected tissue due to oxygen deprivation. This condition is particularly common in the heart (myocardial infarction) and the brain (cerebral infarction), where timely medical intervention is critical to minimize tissue damage and preserve function. Understanding this term is essential for recognizing the implications of blood flow issues and their potential consequences in clinical settings.