What condition is characterized by a lack of oxygen?

Anoxia is defined as a lack of oxygen in the body or a specific part of the body. It can occur in various situations, such as during drowning, suffocation, or certain medical conditions that impair the body's ability to absorb or utilize oxygen. This condition can lead to serious health complications and organ damage if not addressed promptly, as oxygen is essential for cellular metabolism and overall bodily function.

While asphyxia also involves a deficiency of oxygen, it typically refers to a state that results from inadequate oxygen supply combined with the body's inability to properly exchange gases, often due to factors such as choking or drowning. Asphyxia is more specific in its context compared to the broader term anoxia.

Hyperthermia refers to an abnormally elevated body temperature and is unrelated to oxygen levels. Internal edema is the swelling of body tissues due to excess fluid, which does not directly relate to the availability of oxygen. Thus, anoxia stands out as the most precise term to describe a deficiency of oxygen, making it the correct choice.