DECORTICATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Decortication refers to a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the outer layer (cortex) or the fibrous covering (rind) of an organ or structure. This medical intervention is commonly performed to treat various conditions where the removal of such layers is necessary for therapeutic purposes.
In the context of lung surgery, decortication specifically refers to the removal of the fibrous membrane (pleura) that surrounds the lungs. This procedure is typically used to alleviate symptoms and complications associated with conditions like pleural effusion, pleurisy, lung abscesses, or chronic empyema. By removing the thickened and inflamed pleural tissue, the lung's expansion and function can be improved, reducing symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, and respiratory impairments.
In the field of neuroscience, decortication may also refer to a surgical procedure that involves the removal or disconnection of the cerebral cortex from the underlying white matter. This operation is generally carried out to investigate the functions and roles of different brain regions, particularly in animal research models. By isolating the cortex from the underlying connections, the study of specific brain functions, such as sensory perception or motor control, can be facilitated.
Overall, decortication is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the outer layers or fibrous coverings of an organ or structure, serving different therapeutic and investigative purposes in various medical fields.
-
Removal of the cortex, or external layer beneath the capsule from any organ or structure.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DECORTICATION
- secortication
- xecortication
- cecortication
- fecortication
- recortication
- eecortication
- dwcortication
- dscortication
- ddcortication
- drcortication
- d4cortication
- d3cortication
- dexortication
- devortication
- defortication
- dedortication
- decirtication
- deckrtication
- declrtication
- decortyication
Etymology of DECORTICATION
The word "decortication" has its roots in the Latin word "decorticāre", which is derived from the prefix "de" meaning "off" or "away", and the verb "corticāre", which means "to strip bark".
In Latin, "cortex" refers to bark, shell, or rind. Therefore, "decorticāre" literally means "to remove the bark or outer layer".
The term "decortication" is used in various fields, including medicine and botany, and it generally refers to a surgical or mechanical process of removing the outer layer, shell, or covering of something, such as an organ, bone, or plant.
Similar spelling words for DECORTICATION
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
