CHOLELITH Meaning and
Definition
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Cholelith, also known as a gallstone, refers to a solid formation that develops in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, responsible for storing bile, a digestive fluid that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. Choleliths come in various sizes and composition but are commonly composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.
Gallstones typically form when there is an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile, leading to the solidification of certain substances into crystals. These crystals then cluster together and gradually form larger, solid stones. Choleliths may vary in number and size, ranging from tiny sand-like particles to larger, golf ball-sized stones.
Although many gallstones do not cause noticeable symptoms, they can sometimes block the bile ducts, leading to potential complications such as inflammation, infection, or a condition called cholecystitis. Symptoms of choleliths may include severe abdominal pain, often in the upper right quadrant, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
Treatment options for choleliths depend on the severity of symptoms and complications. In cases where gallstones are causing significant discomfort or complications, surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy, may be recommended. Other treatment approaches may include medication to dissolve the stones or procedures aimed at breaking them up into smaller fragments that can be easily eliminated from the body.
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Gallstone, biliary calculus, a concretion of inspissated bile.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHOLELITH
- xholelith
- vholelith
- fholelith
- dholelith
- cgolelith
- cbolelith
- cnolelith
- cjolelith
- cuolelith
- cyolelith
- chilelith
- chklelith
- chllelith
- chplelith
- ch0lelith
- ch9lelith
- chokelith
- chopelith
- chooelith
- cholwlith
Etymology of CHOLELITH
The term "cholelith" is derived from two Greek words: "chole" and "lithos".
1. "Chole" (χολή): In Greek, "chole" means "bile", which refers to a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps in the breakdown of fats during the digestion process.
2. "Lithos" (λίθος): "Lithos" means "stone" in Greek. In the context of cholelith, it signifies the formation of stones within the gallbladder.
Combining these two Greek words, "cholelith" refers to the formation of stones or calculi in the gallbladder, also known as gallstones.
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