anoxia /anok″sē·ə/ [Gk, a + oxys, not sharp] , an abnormal condition characterized by a local or systemic lack of oxygen in body tissues. It may result from an inadequate supply of oxygen to the respiratory system, an inability of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues, or a failure of the tissues to absorb the oxygen from the blood. Kinds include anemic anoxia, stagnant anoxia. See also hypoxemia, hypoxia. −anoxic, adj.
