Chapter 22: Glossary Terms

Aneurysm

defect or sac formed by dilation in the 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 heart failure, portal hypertension, cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and cancer

Borborygmi

loud, gurgling bowel sounds signaling increased motility or hyperperistalsis; occurs with early bowel obstruction, gastroenteritis, or diarrhea

Bruit

blowing, swooshing sound heard through a stethoscope when an artery is partially occluded

Cecum

first or proximal part of large intestine

Cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder

Costal Margin

lower border of the rib margin formed by medical edges of the 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs

Costovertebral Angle (CVA)

angled formed by the 12th rib and the vertebral column on the posterior thorax, overlying the kidney

Diastasis Recti

midline longitudinal ridge in the abdomen, a separation of abdominal rectus muscles

Dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

Epigastrium

the abdominal region between the costal margins

Hepatomegaly

abnormal enlargement of liver

Hernia

abnormal protrusion of bowel through weakening in the abdominal musculature

Inguinal Ligament

ligament extending from pubic bone to anterior superior iliac spine, forming lower border of abdomen

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

Peritoneum

double envelope of serous membrane that lines the abdominal wall and covers the surface of most abdominal organs

Peritonitis

inflammation of peritoneum

Pyloric Stenosis

congenital narrowing of pyloric sphincter, forming outflow obstruction of stomach

Pyrosis

heartburn; burning sensation in upper abdomen due to reflux of gastric acid

Rectus Abdominis Muscles

midline abdominal muscles extending from rib cage to pubic bone

Scaphoid

abnormally sunken abdominal wall, as with malnutrition or in underweight individuals

Splenomegaly

abnormal enlargement of spleen

Striae

(lineae albicantes) silvery white or spink scar tissue formed by stretching abdominal skin as with pregnancy or obesity

Suprapubic

name of abdominal region just superior to pubic bone

Tympany

high-pitched, musical, drum-like percussion note heard when percussing over the stomach and intestine

Umbilicus

depression on the abdomen, marking the site of entry of umbilical cord

Viscera

internal organs