Which condition is characterized by insufficient delivery of oxygen to cells?

• A. Hypoxia
• B. Hyperoxia
• C. Hypoxemia
• D. Anoxia

Answer: (A)

Tissue oxygen delivery depends on both adequate blood flow and enough oxygen in the blood. When cells aren’t getting enough oxygen, the condition is hypoxia. It describes a shortage at the cellular level, regardless of how that shortage happens—reduced blood flow, low oxygen content in the blood, or problems with using oxygen.

Hypoxemia means low oxygen in the arterial blood, which can contribute to hypoxia but isn’t the same thing as tissue-level deficiency. Anoxia is a total lack of oxygen, a much more severe state. Hyperoxia is an excess of oxygen. So, for the description “insufficient delivery of oxygen to cells,” hypoxia is the best fit.