What does edema refer to in medical terminology?

Edema refers specifically to the puffy swelling of tissue that occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces of the body. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including inflammation, injury, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. The accumulation of fluid can cause noticeable swelling in areas such as the legs, feet, or abdomen, and can be a key indicator of underlying health issues.

The other options do not relate to the definition of edema. The aging process of the skin involves changes such as thinning, loss of elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles, separate from fluid accumulation. The healing of wounds encompasses cellular and tissue repair mechanisms, which also do not involve fluid retention in that context. Lastly, excessive blood flow to tissues may indicate hyperemia, which relates to increased blood supply rather than fluid accumulation per se.