Gangrenous
Gangrenous
Gangrenous (pronunciation: /gæŋˈgriː.nəs/) is a medical term used to describe a condition where tissue death occurs due to a lack of blood supply, often resulting from an infection or injury.
Etymology
The term "gangrenous" is derived from the Latin word "gangraena" and the Greek word "gangraina," which both mean "putrefaction of tissues."
Definition
Gangrenous is a state of tissue necrosis (tissue death) that is usually the result of critical insufficiency of blood supply. This can occur due to injury, infection, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or arteriosclerosis. Gangrenous tissue is often characterized by discoloration, ranging from pale to blue, purple, black, bronze or red, depending on the type of gangrene.
Types of Gangrene
There are several types of gangrene, including:
- Dry gangrene: This is often caused by a reduction of arterial blood supply to an area of the body. The affected tissue becomes dry and shrinks, changing color from red to brown to black.
- Wet gangrene: This type occurs when an infection in the affected tissue leads to swelling and blistering. The area becomes wet and decays, often emitting a foul odor.
- Gas gangrene: This is a particularly severe form of gangrene, usually caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. It produces gas within the tissue, leading to severe pain and swelling.
- Internal gangrene: This type affects one or more of the internal organs, often as a result of a blocked blood vessel.
Related Terms
- Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body.
- Sepsis: A potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection.
- Amputation: The removal of a limb or other appendage or outgrowth of the body.
- Antibiotics: Medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gangrenous
- Wikipedia's article - Gangrenous
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