What is the medical term for fainting?

The term "syncope" refers specifically to a temporary loss of consciousness, commonly known as fainting. This phenomenon occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, often leading to dizziness or lightheadedness prior to the actual fainting episode. Syncope is characterized by a brief and reversible state of unresponsiveness, which distinguishes it from other conditions.

Understanding the differences between fainting and other related terms can clarify why "syncope" is the appropriate choice. Dizziness refers to a sensation of unsteadiness or altered spatial perception but does not necessarily involve loss of consciousness. Vertigo is a more specific term used to describe the sensation that either you or the environment around you is moving, which can lead to balance issues but also does not mean one has lost consciousness. Apoplexy, while an older term, is often associated with a sudden onset of neurological symptoms due to a stroke or hemorrhage, not specifically fainting.

Thus, syncope is the precise medical term describing the act of fainting, making it the correct choice among the given options.