Final answer:
The retention of fluids in the tissues due to a blockage of blood flow is called edema, which is the accumulation of excess water often associated with circulatory deficits and may be a symptom of various underlying health issues. So the correct answer is option C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The retention of fluids in the tissues due to a blockage of the flow of blood is known as edema. Edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess water in the tissues, often associated with circulatory deficits. This condition may be symptomatic of various underlying medical issues, including heart failure, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and hypertension. Increased pressure in the veins, due to factors like gravity, can lead to fluid leakage from capillaries into the interstitial fluid, causing edema. The correct way to check for localized subcutaneous edema is to press a finger into the affected area; if a depression persists for several seconds after releasing the finger, known as "pitting," edema is likely present.