Which term describes bone death due to interrupted blood supply?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Avascular necrosis
• C. Osteomyelitis
• D. Osteoarthritis

Answer: (B)

This question focuses on bone tissue death caused by a lack of blood supply. The term for this condition is avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis. Avascular means without blood vessels, and necrosis means tissue death, so the name directly describes the process: when the blood flow to bone is interrupted, the bone cells die, which can weaken the bone and, over time, lead to joint collapse in some areas such as the hip. It's distinct from other bone problems: osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass and density rather than tissue death from lack of blood; osteomyelitis is an infection of bone; and osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage and the joint as a whole, not primarily caused by interrupted blood supply.