The word "merodiastolic" is commonly used in medical terminology to describe a certain type of heart rhythm. The correct pronunciation of this word is /meroʊdaɪə'stɒlɪk/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The prefix "mero-" means "partly", while "diastolic" refers to the relaxation phase of the heart's cycle. Therefore, "merodiastolic" describes a heart rhythm that is partly diastolic, indicating that the heart muscles are not completely relaxed between contractions. This type of rhythm can be an indicator of certain medical conditions.
Merodiastolic is a term used in the field of cardiology to describe a specific aspect of the cardiac cycle. The cardiac cycle refers to the series of events that occur within the heart to facilitate blood circulation. It is divided into two main phases: systole, when the heart contracts and pumps blood, and diastole, when the heart relaxes and fills with blood for the next cycle.
Merodiastolic refers specifically to the middle portion of diastole. It is a combination of the prefix "mero," meaning partial or middle, and "diastolic," pertaining to the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle. During merodiastolic, the ventricles of the heart are in a state of partial relaxation and actively filling with blood from the atria.
This stage is significant because it marks the transition between early diastole (when the heart is fully relaxed) and the later stages of diastole leading up to the next systole. During merodiastolic, the ventricles continue to slowly fill with blood, ensuring an optimal volume of blood is available for efficient ejection during the subsequent systole.
Understanding the different phases of the cardiac cycle, including merodiastolic, is crucial in diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions. Doctors and cardiologists use this terminology to describe specific abnormalities or characteristics observed during different stages of the cardiac cycle, aiding in the assessment and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disorders.
Partially diastolic; relating to a part of the diastole of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.