What does the term "stasis" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "stasis" refers to a state of equilibrium or inactivity, meaning that there is a stopping or constant condition. This term is commonly used to describe situations where blood or other fluids are not moving as they should, which can lead to various health issues, such as thrombosis when referring to blood flow. Stasis signifies a lack of movement or flow, indicating that something has ceased to progress. For instance, in digestive terms, "gastric stasis" indicates that food is not moving through the stomach at the normal rate. Understanding stasis is crucial for recognizing and managing conditions that can lead to serious complications in patient care.