AORTOLITH Meaning and
Definition
-
Aortolith is a term used in medical and anatomical contexts to refer to a calcification or a calcified body that forms within the aorta, which is the largest artery in the human body. The aorta plays a crucial role in systemic circulation, as it transports oxygenated blood from the heart to various organs and tissues. However, due to various factors such as age, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or other underlying conditions, the aorta may undergo a degenerative or pathological process.
An aortolith is essentially a mineral deposit made up of calcium that forms within the inner lining of the aorta. This calcification can cause the arterial walls to become hardened and less elastic, potentially leading to complications such as reduced blood flow, increased blood pressure, or even blockages. Symptoms associated with aortoliths can vary depending on their size and location, but common manifestations may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and general discomfort.
Treatment for aortoliths typically involves managing the underlying cause, such as controlling hypertension or managing atherosclerosis. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the calcification or repair the affected section of the aorta.
It is important to note that although aortoliths are primarily associated with aging and arterial degeneration, they can also occur in younger individuals with specific risk factors, such as those with inflammatory conditions or connective tissue disorders.
-
Calcareous deposit in the wall of the aorta.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AORTOLITH
- zortolith
- sortolith
- wortolith
- qortolith
- airtolith
- akrtolith
- alrtolith
- aprtolith
- a0rtolith
- a9rtolith
- aoetolith
- aodtolith
- aoftolith
- aottolith
- ao5tolith
- ao4tolith
- aorrolith
- aorfolith
- aorgolith
- aoryolith
Etymology of AORTOLITH
The word "aortolith" is a scientific term that is derived from combining two roots: "aorto-" and "-lith".
1. "Aorto-" originates from the Greek word "aortē", which means the main artery of the body, the aorta. It is a combination of "αορτή" (aorti) meaning "tide", and "αοσκήρητα" (aoskêrēta), which means "the path of the wind". Over time, "aortē" came to specifically refer to the aorta.
2. "-Lith" comes from the Greek word "lithos", meaning "stone".
When these two roots are combined, "aortolith" refers to a "stone" or calcified deposit that may be found within the aorta.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
