hypoxia vs. anoxia

hypoxia vs. anoxia: 's the difference?

Hypoxia and anoxia both refer to conditions in an organic environment. Hypoxia refers to a very low level of oxygen, while anoxia refers to a total lack of oxygen. Both are used in biology to refer to the oxygen level of an environment (like a swamp) and in pathology to refer to the oxygen level of bodily tissue. Hypo- means “low”; an- means “none”; and ox- refers to oxygen.

hypoxia

noun

  1. Biology. a very low level of oxygen, as in an organic environment:

    The fish have developed a tolerance to the hypoxia of the swamp.

  2. Pathology. an abnormally low amount of oxygen in the body tissues: Compare anoxia ( def 2 ), hypoxemia.

    Premature newborns are routinely placed in incubators to treat or prevent hypoxia.

anoxia

noun

  1. Biology. the absence of oxygen, as in an organic environment:

    the simulation of aquatic anoxia in the laboratory.

  2. Pathology. the absence or near absence of oxygen in the body tissues; severe hypoxia: Compare hypoxia ( def 2 ).

    Metabolism came to an irreversible standstill during prolonged anoxia.