Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder that affects blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the body. The spelling of this medical term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription, where "ar-tuh-ree-oh-vee-nuhs mal-for-may-shun" is pronounced /ɑrtəriˌoʊˈvinəs ˌmælfɔrˈmeɪʃən/. The "v" sound in "venous" is pronounced as /v/ instead of the typical English /w/ sound. Understanding the spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is essential for effective communication among healthcare professionals and patients.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is a term used in the medical field to describe a congenital abnormality of the blood vessels that affects the circulatory system. It refers to an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, which bypasses the capillaries, the small blood vessels that connect the two.
In an arteriovenous malformation, the arteries and veins are connected by a tangled web of abnormal blood vessels, characterized by weak and thin walls. This condition can occur in various parts of the body, but it most commonly affects the brain and spinal cord.
The presence of an arteriovenous malformation disrupts the normal blood flow, leading to an increased risk of hemorrhage or bleeding. The abnormal connection of arteries and veins can result in a high-pressure environment, making the vessels more prone to rupture. This can cause symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, neurological deficits, and even life-threatening complications.
Arteriovenous malformations are typically diagnosed using imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, or cerebral angiography. Treatment options for arteriovenous malformations depend on the size, location, and symptoms associated with the AVM. They may include surgical removal of the affected vessels, embolization (a procedure to block the blood flow through the malformed vessels), or radiosurgery (using high-dose radiation to treat the AVM).
In summary, an arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillaries, which can lead to disrupted blood flow, increased risk of hemorrhage, and various related symptoms.
The word "arteriovenous malformation" is formed from combining three different terms: arterio-, venous, and malformation.
1. Arterio-: It is derived from the Latin word "arteria", which means "artery". The Latin term is derived from the Greek word "artēria", which means "windpipe" or "artery". The word "artery" refers to the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.
2. Venous: It is derived from the Latin word "vena", which means "vein". The Latin term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "wen", which means "to desire" or "to love". The word "vein" refers to the blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from various parts of the body.
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