Capillarectasia is a medical term that refers to the dilation or enlargement of capillaries. The word is made up of four parts: capill(a)- (meaning "hair"), -ar (meaning "pertaining to"), -ectasia (meaning "dilation"), and the combining form -ia (meaning "condition of"). The correct IPA phonetic transcription for capillarectasia is /kæpɪlərɛkˈteɪziə/. This complex word is challenging to spell and pronounce due to the combination of multiple roots and suffixes, making it important to break down the word into its smaller parts for effective understanding.
Capillarectasia is a medical term used to describe the dilation or enlargement of the capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels in the body. Derived from the Latin words "capillaris" meaning hair-like, and "ectasia" meaning dilation or expansion, this term specifically refers to the abnormal widening of these tiny blood vessels.
Capillarectasia usually occurs as a result of increased pressure within the capillary blood vessels, leading to their stretching and enlargement. This can be caused by various factors such as obstruction or blockage in the blood flow, inflammation, or certain diseases or medical conditions that affect the circulatory system.
When capillarectasia occurs, the walls of the capillaries become weakened and their ability to regulate blood flow may be compromised. This can result in symptoms such as redness, swelling, or varicose veins in the affected area. In some cases, capillarectasia can lead to complications like capillary fragility or bleeding.
Diagnosing capillarectasia typically involves a physical examination and may require additional tests such as imaging studies or blood tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options may vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, managing the underlying cause, such as controlling high blood pressure or treating the underlying disease, may help alleviate the symptoms of capillarectasia. Other treatment options may include medication to strengthen blood vessels or procedures to remove or repair the affected capillaries.
Dilatation of the capillary blood-vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.