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A scientific term is useful when it conveys precise meaning to serve as a reliable tool for communication. The term “shock” is widely used in many different contexts to convey many different meanings and has no universally accepted definition. From the clinical point of view, the term is most commonly used in referring to patients with acute systemic arterial hypotension accompanied by other signs and symptoms. The clinical manifestations vary widely but often include pallor, weakness, sweating, and rapid thready pulse. However, the essential characteristic is a markedly depressed systemic arterial pressure. Thus, the causes of shock must be sought among the factors which determine the pressure in the systemic arteries.