What is the significance of hypoxia?

The significance of hypoxia lies in its definition, which is a condition in which cells do not receive an adequate supply of oxygen. This deficiency in oxygen can lead to various metabolic problems because oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration, the process that generates energy in the form of ATP. When hypoxia occurs, cells are unable to produce enough energy, leading to impaired function and, if prolonged, cell injury or death.

In contrast to having sufficient or excessive oxygen, hypoxia poses serious risks to tissues and organs, which depend on oxygen-rich environments to maintain their physiological functions. Also, while cells may recover from transient episodes of low oxygen availability, true hypoxia indicates a critical shortfall that can have acute or chronic implications for health.