Chapter 22 terms Flashcards
Abdominal adhesions
scar tissue in the abdomen; inflammatory bands that connect opposite sides of serous surfaces after trauma or surgery
Aneurysm
defect or sac formed by dilation in artery wall due to atherosclerosis, trauma, or congenital defect
Anorexia
loss of appetite for food
Ascites
abnormal accumulation of serous fluid within the peritoneal cavity, associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, cancer, or portal hypertension
Borborygm
loud gurgling bowel sounds signalling increased motility or hyper-peristalsis; occur with early bowel obstruction, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, laxative use, and subsiding paralytic ileus
Bruit
blowing, swooshing sound heard through a stethoscope when an artery is partially occluded; indicates turbulent blow flow
Celiac disease
an inherited autoimmune condition in which intestinal tissue is damaged in response to eating gluten, which prevents nutrients from being properly absorbed
Cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder, resulting in biliary colic
Costal margin
lower border of rib margin formed by the medial edges of the eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs
Costovertebral angle (CVA)
angle formed by the twelfth rib and the vertebral column on the posterior thorax, overlying the kidney
Diastasis Recti
midline longitudinal ridge in the abdomen, a separation of the abdominal rectus muscles
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Epigastrium
name of abdominal region between the costal margins
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
caused by genetic mutation that can be inherited; a risk factor for colon cancer
Hematemesis
bloody vomitus, occurs with stomach or duodenal ulcers and esophageal varices
Heptomegaly
abnormal enlargement of liver
Hernia
protrusion of abdominal viscera through abnormal opening in muscle wall; depending on location, described as inguinal, umbilical, epigastric, or incisional
Lactose Intolerance
a condition affecting certain individuals who have lower levels of lactase, the intestinal enzyme that digests lactose found in milk. and causing intolerance to milk and other dairy products
Linea alba
midline tendinous seam joining the abdominal muscles
Paralytic ileus
complete absence of peristaltic movement that may follow abdominal surgery or complete bowel obstruction.
Peritoneal friction rub
rough, grating sound heard through the stethoscope over the site of peritoneal inflammation
Peritonitis
inflammation of the peritoneum
Pyloric stenosis
congenital narrowing of the pyloric sphincter, forming outflow obstruction of the stomach, usually seen in newborns within the first weeks of life
Pyrosis
heartburn; burning sensation in upper abdomen, due to reflux of gastric acid
Rectus abdominis muscle
midline abdominal muscle extending from rib cage to pubic bone; its edge is often palpable
Scaphoid
abnormally sunken abdominal muscle having a “caved in” appearance, as with malnutrition or underweight
Splenomegaly
abnormal enlargement of the spleen
Striae
linea albicantes; silvery-white or pink scar tissue formed by stretching of abdominal skin, as with pregnancy or obesity
Suprapubic
name of abdominal region just superior to pubic bone; also sometimes referred to as the hypogastric area
Tympany
high-pitched, musical, drum-like percussion note heard when percussing ver the stomach and intestine
Umbilicus
depression on abdomen marking site of entry of the umbilical cord; umbilical refers to the area surrounding the umbilicus
Viscera
internal organs contained within the abdominal cavity’ referred to as either solid or hollow viscera, depending on the organ characteristics
