Pronunciation: [dɪstˈɛnʃən] (IPA) 
The word "distension" is commonly misspelt as "distension" due to the confusion between the sounds of "s" and "c". The correct spelling is "distension" [dɪsˈtɛnʃn], where the "s" is pronounced as "s", not "c". Distension refers to the act of expanding or swelling, particularly in a bodily organ, which can cause discomfort or pain. It is important to use the correct spelling to ensure clear communication in written and oral forms.
Distension refers to the process or result of expanding, stretching, or becoming enlarged, particularly in relation to a hollow organ or body part. It is commonly used to describe the swelling or increased size of a particular body region due to the accumulation of fluid, gas, or other substances.
In the medical context, distension often specifically refers to the abnormal enlargement or swelling of an organ or cavity, most commonly observed in the gastrointestinal tract. This can occur due to a variety of reasons such as excessive gas production, fluid accumulation, or blocked air or fluid flow. For example, bloating or abdominal distension may occur as a result of gas buildup in the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition to the gastrointestinal tract, distension can also occur in other body regions and structures. Examples include distension of the urinary bladder due to increased urine volume, distension of blood vessels due to excessive blood flow or pressure, or distension of the uterus during pregnancy.
Clinically, the term "distension" is often used to describe the visible and palpable swelling or enlargement of an organ or body region. This can be assessed through physical examination or through various imaging techniques like ultrasound, which can help identify and characterize the cause and severity of the distension.
Overall, distension is a significant indicator for identifying abnormal enlargement or swelling of specific body parts or organs, providing crucial information for medical evaluation and diagnosis.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "distension" has its roots in the Latin term "distendere", which is a combination of the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" and the verb "tendere" meaning "to stretch". Therefore, "distension" can be traced back to the Latin root meaning "to stretch apart". This is in reference to the act of stretching or enlarging a hollow organ or part of the body, particularly due to the pressure exerted by gas or fluid accumulation.
