Which term describes the blueness of the skin caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood?

The term that accurately describes the blueness of the skin resulting from a lack of oxygen in the blood is cyanosis. This condition occurs when there is insufficient oxygenation of the blood, leading to a noticeable discoloration, typically observed in areas such as the lips, fingertips, and other extremities. Cyanosis can be an important clinical sign indicating underlying respiratory or cardiovascular issues that need to be addressed promptly.

Hypoxia refers to a broader state of oxygen deprivation in tissues, which can be caused by various factors, but it does not specifically denote the bluish discoloration of the skin. Hypothermia relates to a dangerously low body temperature, which is unrelated to skin coloration or oxygen levels. Asphyxia is a more general term that refers to a lack of oxygen due to suffocation or obstruction of airflow and can lead to cyanosis, but it does not specifically describe the phenomenon itself. Thus, cyanosis is the precise term that defines the blueness of the skin due to low oxygen levels in the blood.