What can result from inadequate oxygen supply to tissues?

Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues can lead to cellular injury because oxygen is essential for cellular metabolism and energy production. When oxygen levels are insufficient, cells cannot perform their normal functions effectively, and this can trigger a cascade of harmful effects such as the accumulation of waste products, loss of cellular integrity, and ultimately cell death.

Under such conditions, the lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, compromises the ability of cells to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is crucial for energy-dependent processes. This deficiency can result in cellular dysfunction, inflammation, and tissue damage. Severe and prolonged hypoxia can lead to irreversible injury and necrosis of the affected tissues, which emphasizes the critical role of adequate oxygenation for maintaining cellular health and functionality.

Other options, while they relate to oxygen levels and related conditions, do not directly represent the primary consequence of inadequate oxygen supply as clearly as cellular injury does. Hypercarbia, for instance, refers to an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which can occur due to respiratory failure but is a secondary effect rather than a direct outcome of insufficient oxygen. Cellular repair and blood clotting processes are separate physiological functions that would be less likely to be activated in conditions of hypoxia.