The term "movable kidney" refers to a medical condition where the kidney is able to move around within the body due to a lack of proper supporting tissue. The spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈmuːvəbəl ˈkɪdni/. The word "movable" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by a "v" sound and a short "a" sound. "Kidney" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "d" sound and a long "e" sound.
The term "movable kidney" refers to a medical condition known as nephroptosis or renal ptosis. It represents a condition where one or both kidneys descend from their usual position within the abdominal cavity and become mobile or move excessively. Normally, the kidneys are situated in the upper abdomen near the lower back, held in place by various connective tissues and muscles.
In cases of movable kidney, the supporting structures fail to maintain the kidneys in their proper anatomical position, thus leading to their mobility. This condition is more commonly observed in women than in men. The excessive movement of the kidney(s) can cause a range of symptoms, including intermittent pain or flank discomfort, particularly during physical activity or changes in body position. Other symptoms may include a sense of heaviness, urinary abnormalities, such as blood in the urine or frequent urination, and digestive issues such as nausea or vomiting.
Diagnosis of movable kidney involves medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to visualize the kidney's position during different body positions. Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and may vary from conservative measures like lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding strenuous activities or wearing supportive devices, to surgical intervention. Surgical options may involve techniques to reposition and stabilize the kidney(s) to the surrounding structures, ensuring it stays in its normal anatomical position. Overall, the goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with the condition.
Floating k.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "movable kidney" is a medical term used to describe a condition in which the kidney moves from its normal anatomical position. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Movable: The word "movable" comes from the Old French word "movable", which means capable of being moved. It derives from the Latin word "movēre" meaning "to move".
2. Kidney: The word "kidney" originates from the Old English word "kidnei" or "cuidonēa", which was influenced by the Old Norse term "koiðnjōr". These terms ultimately trace back to the Latin word "renes" meaning "kidneys".