What term describes the supply of oxygen to and removal of waste from body tissues?

The term that best describes the supply of oxygen to and the removal of waste products from body tissues is perfusion. Perfusion is a critical physiological process that ensures that blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, flows through the circulatory system to reach even the most distant tissues. Additionally, it facilitates the removal of carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes, maintaining the overall health of cells and tissues.

In contrast, diffusion refers to the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which is relevant in the context of gas exchange but not specific to the systemic supply of nutrients. Oxygenation typically refers to the process of binding oxygen to hemoglobin in the blood, which occurs in the lungs and does not encompass waste removal. Respiration is the broader process involving gas exchange—both inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide—but does not specifically address the supply and removal functions at the tissue level. Therefore, perfusion accurately encapsulates both the provision of oxygen and the removal of waste, highlighting its crucial role in sustaining cellular function.