What is an infarction?

An infarction is indeed defined as the formation of an infarct, which occurs due to the obstruction of circulation to a specific area of tissue. This obstruction can be caused by factors such as a blood clot or atherosclerosis, leading to a shortage of blood supply and oxygen to that region. Consequently, the affected tissue may undergo necrosis, or cell death, due to the lack of necessary nutrients and oxygen.

This definition aligns clearly with the physiological processes involved in infarctions, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebral infarction (stroke). In these scenarios, timely medical intervention is critical to restore blood flow and minimize tissue damage. Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing the seriousness of infarctions and the effects they can have on the body.

The other options do not relate to the definition of infarction. An irregularly-shaped scar does not pertain to blood flow or obstruction, while an instrument for recording variations and the examination of the interior of the abdomen are unrelated to the condition of infarction.