The term "epigastric voice" refers to the sound produced when the patient speaks while a stethoscope is placed over their epigastric region. The word is spelled /ˌɛpɪˈɡæstrɪk vɔɪs/ in IPA phonetics, with emphasis placed on the first syllable. The "epi-" prefix refers to "above, on top of" while "gastric" pertains to the stomach, and "voice" means sound generated by vocal cords. This phenomenon can be useful in diagnosing certain gastrointestinal conditions.
Epigastric voice refers to a phenomenon observed during medical examinations, specifically while auscultating or listening to the sounds produced by the gastrointestinal tract using a stethoscope. The term "epigastric" refers to the area of the abdomen above the stomach, known as the epigastrium. When a patient demonstrates epigastric voice, it means that the noises originating from the stomach or intestines can be clearly heard through the stethoscope placed on the epigastrium.
Epigastric voice is often characterized by increased or amplified bowel sounds, resulting in louder and more distinct noises than would normally be heard during auscultation. These sounds are produced by the movement of gas or fluids within the gastrointestinal tract as a result of digestion and peristalsis, the muscular contractions that propel food through the intestines. The amplified nature of epigastric voice can be helpful in diagnosing certain gastrointestinal conditions, as abnormal bowel sounds or changes in their intensity can indicate underlying pathologies such as bowel obstructions, inflammation, or intestinal motility disorders.
Clinicians and medical professionals typically assess epigastric voice during physical examinations to gather information about the health and functionality of the gastrointestinal system. By carefully listening to the characteristic sounds, they can evaluate normal bowel function and potentially identify any abnormalities that may require further investigation or treatment. Epigastric voice is an important clinical finding that can aid in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions.
The delusion of a voice proceeding from the epigastrium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "epigastric voice" comes from combining two separate words: "epigastric" and "voice".
1. Epigastric: The word "epigastric" comes from the Greek word "epigastrios", which is a combination of "epi" meaning "upon" or "above" and "gaster" meaning "belly" or "stomach". In medical terminology, "epigastric" refers to the anatomical region above the stomach, situated in the upper middle part of the abdomen.
2. Voice: The word "voice" derives from the Latin word "vox", which means "sound" or "voice". It refers to the sound produced by the vocal cords in the larynx, which is essential for speech.