At what temperature does vaporization begin to occur in biological tissue?

Vaporization in biological tissue is a critical factor in laser therapy, especially when considering the interactions between laser light and tissue. The correct answer, which indicates that vaporization begins to occur at 100°C, is rooted in the understanding of how heat affects biological tissues.

At 100°C, water, a major component of biological tissues, begins to boil. This boiling point leads to the conversion of liquid water into vapor, which effectively creates steam. When tissues reach this temperature, the intracellular fluids start to vaporize. This vaporization process can result in significant changes in the physical structure of the tissue, facilitating the ablation or removal of unwanted material.

The significance of the 100°C threshold is also important in clinical settings for procedures that rely on precise tissue management. While lower temperatures may cause cellular damage or denaturation of proteins, vaporization at 100°C marks the point at which tissues may be efficiently removed or changed without excessive thermal damage to surrounding areas. Understanding these temperature thresholds is vital for practitioners utilizing laser therapy to ensure effective and safe outcomes for patients.