What term refers to a state of inadequate oxygenation of the blood and tissue?

The term that refers to a state of inadequate oxygenation of the blood and tissue is hypoxia. Hypoxia specifically describes a condition where there is a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, which can lead to impaired cellular function and potentially serious health consequences. This can occur due to various factors such as reduced oxygen availability in the environment, respiratory diseases, or problems with the cardiovascular system.

On the other hand, asphyxia refers to a condition where there is a lack of oxygen sufficiency and often implies a more acute or extreme situation where asphyxia can lead to unconsciousness or death if not resolved quickly. Hyperoxia denotes an excess of oxygen in the tissues and can be harmful in certain situations. Oxygen deficiency is a more general term that could describe a lack of oxygen but does not specifically capture the medical implications that hypoxia conveys regarding its impact on tissues. Thus, hypoxia is the most precise term for indicating inadequate oxygenation.