GALLSTONE Meaning and
Definition
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A gallstone is a solid, pebble-like formation that develops within the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. It is a pathological condition characterized by the presence of these hard particles, which range in size from a small grain of sand to a large, golf ball-like structure. Gallstones are primarily composed of hardened cholesterol or bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced when red blood cells break down.
These stones can form due to an imbalance in the constituents of bile, a digestive fluid that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats. The imbalance typically occurs when bile contains excessive amounts of cholesterol or bilirubin, causing them to crystallize and clump together over time. Obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, or certain medical conditions like liver cirrhosis can contribute to gallstone formation.
Gallstones often remain asymptomatic and may require no immediate intervention. However, if a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can lead to intense, cramp-like abdominal pain known as a gallbladder attack. This excruciating pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back or shoulder. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and fever if an infection occurs.
Treatment options for gallstones depend on the severity of symptoms and the risk they pose. Mild cases can be managed through dietary modifications and medications, while more severe instances may require surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder.
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A concretion, chiefly of cholesterin, formed in the gall-bladder or a bileduct.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of GALLSTONE
The word "gallstone" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two root words: "gall" and "stone".
- "Gall" originates from the Old English word "gealla", which referred to bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. This Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "gallan", meaning "to irritate" or "to excrete".
- "Stone" comes from the Old English word "stan", which stems from the Proto-Germanic word "stainaz".
Hence, the word "gallstone" literally refers to a stone-like formation that develops in the gallbladder or bile ducts, often composed of hardened bile components or cholesterol crystals.
Similar spelling words for GALLSTONE
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