What is hypoxia?

Hypoxia refers to a condition in which there is an inadequate supply of oxygen available to the body's tissues. This oxygen deficiency can lead to a range of physiological effects, affecting how the body functions. The body requires a sufficient amount of oxygen for the production of energy in cells, and when oxygen levels drop, vital processes can become impaired, potentially leading to serious health complications.

The other options depict related but distinct concepts. Excessive oxygen in the body is known as hyperoxia, not hypoxia. While hypoxia can occur at high altitudes due to lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen availability, saying it is solely caused by high altitude does not capture the broader definition. Lastly, while rapid decompression can lead to decreased oxygen availability and might cause hypoxia, it is not the defining characteristic of the condition itself. Thus, understanding hypoxia as a deficiency of oxygen provides a clear and accurate definition of this physiological state.