Condition
Systemic
David Cohen, M.D.Published 5 May 20051 min read
Key points
- Systemic means "affecting the entire body," rather than a single organ or body part.
- For example, systemic disorders such as High blood pressure or systemic diseases such as Influenza affect the entire body.
- An infection that is in the blood stream is referred to as a systemic infection.
- In contrast, an infection pertaining to one body part or organ is referred to as a localized infection.
Alternative names
Somatic
Definition
Systemic means "affecting the entire body," rather than a single organ or body part. For example, systemic disorders such as High blood pressure or systemic diseases such as Influenza affect the entire body.
An infection that is in the blood stream is referred to as a systemic infection. In contrast, an infection pertaining to one body part or organ is referred to as a localized infection.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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