What is a myocardial infarction?

To answer this we can start by breaking down the phrase itself.

So, 'myo' always means muscle. 'Cardial' means of the heart. So myocardial infarction means infarction of the heart muscle.  

So what is infarction then? Infarction is a process whereby the blood flow to a tissue is so diminished that the tissue itself is damaged to the point of dying. The process of tissue death is known as necrosis.  

But why does reduced blood flow cause a tissue to die? To answer that we can look at what a tissue needs to survive - principally, it needs oxygen, the gas which we breath and all cells require to function. As oxygen is transported to tissues in the blood, reduced blood flow means that less oxygen gets to the tissue, therefore, the tissue itself dies or 'necroses'. 

So, in summary: 

Myocardial infarction is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle tissue.  This results in necrosis of the tissue due to a lack of oxygen.  

SJ
Answered by Simon J. Biology tutor

5875 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how animals and plants are adapted to survive in dry conditions such as deserts. For each adaptation that you give, describe how the adaptation helps the animal or plant to survive in dry conditions.


What is an enzyme?


How do motor neurones work?


How is a polar bear adapted for it's environment? (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences