Suspended
Suspended Animation
Suspended animation (/səˈspɛndɪd ænɪˈmeɪʃən/) is a state in which the processes of life are temporarily stopped or slowed down significantly, often as a result of hypothermia or induced medical procedures.
Etymology
The term "suspended animation" is derived from the Latin words "suspendere", meaning "to hang up", and "animatio", meaning "a giving of life or spirit". It was first used in the 19th century to describe a state of apparent death or unconsciousness.
Related Terms
- Hibernation: A state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endotherms.
- Cryonics: The low-temperature preservation of humans and animals who cannot be sustained by contemporary medicine.
- Hypothermia: A medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat.
- Anabiosis: A state of suspended animation induced by drought or lack of water.
- Torpor: A state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually characterized by a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate.
Medical Use
In medicine, suspended animation is used to slow metabolic processes during surgery or other medical procedures. This is often achieved through the use of drugs or by lowering the patient's body temperature. The goal is to extend the period of time that the body can survive without oxygen or other necessary nutrients. This technique is still in the experimental stages and is not yet a standard medical practice.
Research
Research into suspended animation is ongoing, with potential applications in space travel, emergency medicine, and organ transplantation. However, the ethical implications of such procedures are still being debated.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Suspended
- Wikipedia's article - Suspended
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