The spelling of the word "abdominocardiac reflex" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word begins with the "æ" sound as in "cat" followed by "b", "d", "oʊ", "m", "ɪ", "n", and "oʊ." The next syllable starts with the "k" sound followed by "ɑː", "d", "i", "æ" and "k." The final syllable consists of "r", "i", "æ", "k", and "s." This reflex occurs when pressure is applied to the abdomen, causing the heart rate to slow down.
The abdominocardiac reflex is a physiological response characterized by an involuntary and automatic reflex contraction of the heart in response to stimulation of the abdominal organs. This reflex is mediated through the autonomic nervous system, primarily involving the parasympathetic innervation of the heart.
The reflex is triggered by the stimulation of the abdomen, particularly the visceral organs such as the intestines, bladder, or uterus. The stimulation can be due to various causes, including distension, inflammation, or trauma to the abdominal organs. The nerve fibers carrying the sensory information from the abdominal organs transmit signals to the central nervous system, activating a reflex arc that ultimately leads to an increase in vagal tone and subsequent decrease in heart rate.
The abdominocardiac reflex plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. By decreasing the heart rate, it helps regulate blood pressure levels and ensures an adequate blood supply to vital organs. However, excessive stimulation of the reflex can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).
The reflex is clinically significant, particularly in surgical procedures involving the abdomen, where manipulation or manipulation of the abdominal organs can inadvertently trigger the reflex. Surgeons need to be aware of this reflex to avoid potential complications during abdominal surgeries.
In summary, the abdominocardiac reflex is an automatic reflex contraction of the heart in response to abdominal organ stimulation. It is an essential physiological mechanism involved in cardiovascular regulation.
Livierato's sign; mechanical irritation of the abdominal nerves causes dilatation of the heart which subsides after moderate gymnastic exercise.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "abdominocardiac reflex" is a combination of two terms: "abdominal" and "cardiac" with the addition of "reflex".
1. Abdominal: The term "abdominal" is derived from the Latin word "abdomen", which refers to the part of the body between the thorax (chest) and the pelvis. In Latin, "abdomen" originally meant "belly".
2. Cardiac: The term "cardiac" is derived from the Greek word "kardia", which means "heart". In medical terminology, it is used to refer to anything related to the heart.
3. Reflex: The term "reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflectere", which means "to bend back". It refers to an involuntary response or action that is automatically triggered by a stimulus, often without conscious control.