Calcareous infarct is a medical term used to describe a hardened tissue in the body caused by a blockage in the blood vessels. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /kalkɛːriəs ˈɪnfɑːkt/. The first part of the word, "calcareous", is written with a "c" instead of a "k" due to its Latin origin. The second part, "infarct", is spelled according to its pronunciation, with a silent "c" in the middle. It is important to accurately spell medical terms to ensure clear communication and understanding among healthcare professionals.
A calcareous infarct refers to a medical condition characterized by the formation of a calcified, or hardened, mass in an organ or tissue due to inadequate blood supply. It typically occurs when a blood vessel supplying an area becomes blocked or restricted, leading to tissue ischemia, or reduced blood flow. As a result, the affected tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, causing cell death.
The term "calcareous" stems from the Latin word "calx," meaning limestone or chalk. In the case of a calcareous infarct, the ischemic tissue becomes infiltrated with calcium salts, causing it to harden or calcify over time. This calcification process is a natural response of the body as it attempts to repair and stabilize the damaged area.
Calcareous infarcts most commonly occur in the kidneys, where they can manifest as small, whitish nodules or patches. However, they can also develop in other organs such as the brain, spleen, or heart, depending on the location of the vascular blockage.
While calcareous infarcts themselves may not cause symptoms, the underlying condition causing the reduced blood flow can lead to various manifestations. If severe enough, it could result in organ dysfunction and further complications. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause are crucial to prevent long-term damage or organ failure.
In summary, a calcareous infarct refers to the calcification of tissue or organs due to insufficient blood supply, resulting in cell death. It is often associated with vascular blockages and can affect various organs throughout the body.
A deposit of calcium salts in the connective tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "calcareous infarct" derives from the combination of two words: "calcareous" and "infarct".
1. "Calcareous": It comes from the Latin word "calcareus", which means "made of lime" or "chalk-like". In medical terminology, "calcareous" refers to substances that contain calcium carbonate, such as bone or calcified tissues.
2. "Infarct": This word has its roots in the Latin term "infarctus", which means "to stuff" or "to block up". In medicine, an infarct is an area of tissue that undergoes local death (necrosis) due to an interruption of blood supply. Typically, it is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the affected area.