What condition is characterized by the death of tissue?

Gangrene is indeed a condition associated with the death of tissue, specifically characterized by the decay of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow, infection, or injury. It usually occurs in extremities (like the fingers and toes) but can develop in other areas of the body as well. The key aspect of gangrene is that it involves significant tissue death, often due to bacterial infection exacerbated by poor blood supply.

While necrosis also refers broadly to tissue death, it does not specify the underlying cause, which can include various types of injuries, infections, or other factors leading to cellular death. Infarction refers specifically to tissue death due to a lack of blood supply, commonly seen in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack) or strokes. Decubitus, or pressure ulcers, is a specific type of skin injury related to prolonged pressure but is not a generalized term for tissue death.

Thus, while necrosis, infarction, and decubitus all relate to aspects of tissue death, gangrene specifically emphasizes the combination of tissue death and the clinical consequences associated with it, making it the most appropriate answer to describe a condition characterized by the death of tissue.