OXYGENATION Meaning and
Definition
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Oxygenation is a medical term used to describe the process of adding oxygen to the body or a specific part of it. It refers to the exchange and delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body for normal cellular function and metabolism.
In the respiratory system, oxygenation occurs when oxygen is inhaled through the lungs, diffuses into the bloodstream, and is transported to the body's cells. This process is facilitated by the respiratory system, which includes the airways, lungs, and blood vessels.
Oxygenation is essential for maintaining optimal health and sustaining life. Adequate oxygenation ensures that cells receive enough oxygen to produce energy through aerobic respiration. It plays a crucial role in supporting normal physiological functions, including brain function, heart function, and tissue repair.
In medical practice, oxygenation can be achieved by various methods. Supplemental oxygen therapy is commonly used to provide a higher concentration of oxygen to individuals with respiratory conditions or those who are unable to maintain adequate oxygen levels on their own. This can be administered through nasal prongs, face masks, or specialized equipment, depending on the patient's needs.
Furthermore, the term "oxygenation" can also be used in reference to the process of oxygenating or enriching a liquid, such as blood, by adding oxygen to it. In this context, it plays a vital role in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures during certain surgical interventions, where blood is temporarily diverted from the heart and lungs to an external device for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide.
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Saturation with oxygen, noting especially the aeration of the blood in the lungs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The act or process of combining with oxygen.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OXYGENATION
Etymology of OXYGENATION
The word "oxygenation" is derived from the combination of two roots:
1. "Oxygen": This word originated from the French word "oxygène" (with the same meaning) which was coined by French chemist Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century. The term is formed from two Greek roots: "oxys" meaning "acid" or "sharp", and "genes" meaning "producing" or "generating". Lavoisier believed that oxygen was a vital component of the process of combustion and named it accordingly.
2. "-ation": This is a suffix derived from Latin "-ationem" meaning "a process" or "action". It is commonly used in English to form nouns from verbs, indicating a state, condition, or process.
Similar spelling words for OXYGENATION
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