What is a localized collection of pus known as?

A localized collection of pus is referred to as an abscess. This condition arises when bacteria or other pathogens invade tissue, leading to an inflammatory response. The body attempts to contain the infection, which results in the accumulation of pus—a thick fluid composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris—within a confined area. Abscesses can develop in various tissues throughout the body and are typically characterized by symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. Treatment often involves draining the pus and addressing the underlying infection, making prompt recognition and management crucial in clinical practice.

In contrast, an infarct describes an area of dead tissue due to a lack of blood supply, a vesicle is a small fluid-filled sac often seen in conditions like blisters or herpes, and a fistula is an abnormal connection between two cavitated organs or vessels. Understanding these distinctions is important in the context of pathology and the various conditions that can present in clinical settings.