Lima Memorial Health System Logo
Approximate ER WAIT TIME
5

Health Library

Anaerobic
     
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks

Anaerobic

 

The word anaerobic indicates "without oxygen." The term has many uses in medicine.

Anaerobic bacteria are germs that can survive and grow where there is no oxygen. For example, it can thrive in human tissue that is injured and does not have oxygen-rich blood flowing to it. Infections like tetanus and gangrene are caused by anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic infections typically cause abscesses (buildups of pus), and death of tissue. Many anaerobic bacteria produce enzymes that destroy tissue or sometimes release potent toxins.

Besides bacteria, some protozoans and worms are also anaerobic.

Illnesses that create a lack of oxygen in the body can force the body into anaerobic activity. This can cause harmful chemicals to form. It can happen in all types of shock.

Anaerobic is the opposite of aerobic.

In exercise, our bodies need to perform both anaerobic and aerobic reactions to supply us with energy. We need aerobic reactions for slower and more prolonged exercise like walking or jogging. Anaerobic reactions are faster. We need them during shorter, more intense activities like sprinting.

Anaerobic exercise leads to a buildup of lactic acid in our tissues. We need oxygen to remove the lactic acid. When sprinters breathe heavily after running a race, they are removing the lactic acid by providing oxygen to their bodies.

 

References

Asplund CA, Best TM. Exercise physiology. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, Drez, and Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 6.

Cohen-Poradosu R, Kasper DL. Anaerobic infections: general concepts. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 242.

BACK TO TOPText only

 
  • Anaerobic organism

    Anaerobic organism

    illustration

    • Anaerobic organism

      Anaerobic organism

      illustration

    Tests for Anaerobic

     
     

    Review Date: 5/3/2021

    Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
    adam.com