Pathology · single question
What is the classic triad describing the response of tissue to therapeutic radiation?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Hypocellular, hypovascular, hypoxic
- A. This reverses every element of the triad.
- B. Irradiated tissue is hypOxic, not hypERoxic — reduced vascularity means reduced oxygen delivery.
- C. Correct. Marx's triad — HYPOCELLULAR, HYPOVASCULAR, HYPOXIC — describes irradiated tissue and explains why it heals so poorly. This is the pathophysiologic basis of osteoradionecrosis and the rationale for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which raises tissue oxygen tension to promote angiogenesis.
- D. Radiation reduces cellularity — it does not increase it.