HYPOCHONDRIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Hypochondrium refers to each of the two upper lateral regions of the abdomen, located on either side of the epigastric region. It is a term often used in medical anatomy to describe the area where a person may feel pain or discomfort, particularly related to the organs found in this region. The hypochondrium is divided into two parts: the right and left hypochondriac regions.
The right hypochondrium is located below the right lower rib cage and encompasses organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and portion of the large intestine. The left hypochondrium is situated below the left lower rib cage and includes organs such as the spleen, stomach, and portion of the large intestine.
Hypochondrial pain, therefore, refers to any sensations of discomfort or pain experienced in these specific abdominal areas. It can be associated with various conditions such as liver disease, gallbladder issues, gastritis, or even musculoskeletal problems affecting the rib cage and surrounding tissues.
It is worth noting that hypochondrial pain does not necessarily indicate serious underlying conditions, but it should still be evaluated by a medical professional, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Diagnostic tests, such as laboratory tests and imaging studies, may be necessary to identify the cause of the discomfort and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
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The upper lateral region of the abdomen, beneath the floating ribs on either side. See cut under abdominal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The part of the belly under the short ribs containing the liver and spleen; a disease characterised by uneasiness about the region of the stomach and liver.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCHONDRIUM
- gypochondrium
- bypochondrium
- nypochondrium
- jypochondrium
- uypochondrium
- yypochondrium
- htpochondrium
- hgpochondrium
- hhpochondrium
- hupochondrium
- h7pochondrium
- h6pochondrium
- hyoochondrium
- hylochondrium
- hy-ochondrium
- hy0ochondrium
- hypichondrium
- hypkchondrium
- hyplchondrium
Etymology of HYPOCHONDRIUM
The word "hypochondrium" has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "hypokhondrion", which was a compound formed by combining "hypo" (meaning under or below) and "khondros" (meaning cartilage or rib). In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that the region below the ribcage, known as the hypochondrium, was the seat of melancholy and other mental or emotional disturbances. Over time, the term became associated with physical ailments and came to refer to the upper abdominal region in general.
Similar spelling words for HYPOCHONDRIUM
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