The spelling of "muscular murmur" can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first word, "muscular," is spelled /ˈmʌskjələr/. The symbol "ʌ" represents the "uh" sound in "muh-skew-ler." The second part, "murmur," is spelled /ˈmɜːrmər/. The symbol "ɜː" represents the "er" sound, like "mur-muh." When put together, "muscular murmur" is pronounced /ˈmʌskjələr ˈmɜːrmər/. This phrase describes a low-pitched heart murmur that is caused by the contraction of the heart's muscular walls.
A muscular murmur refers to an abnormal heart sound that is characterized by a low-frequency, rhythmic noise produced during the contraction of the muscles surrounding the heart. It is typically heard as a non-pathological, continuous humming or rumbling sound that is audible with a stethoscope over the chest.
This type of murmur is often caused by the vibration of the muscles adjacent to the heart during its contraction and relaxation. The specific muscles involved include the pectoral muscles, intercostal muscles, or the respiratory muscles. The murmur is more commonly heard in individuals with a thinner build due to the increased proximity of the muscles to the chest wall.
Unlike pathological murmurs that are associated with structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels, muscular murmurs are considered benign and do not indicate any underlying heart conditions. These murmurs are typically louder during systole (when the heart is contracting) and tend to diminish or disappear during diastole (when the heart is relaxing).
Muscular murmurs are usually innocent or functional in nature and often occur in individuals who are physically active or exerting themselves. The intensity of the murmur may vary depending on the strength of the muscles involved and the individual's activity level. In most cases, these murmurs do not require any treatment or further investigation. However, if there are any concerning symptoms or accompanying abnormalities, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation to rule out any underlying cardiac conditions.
The sound produced by contracting muscular tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the term "muscular murmur" can be broken down as follows:
1. Muscular: The word "muscular" comes from the Latin word "musculus", which means "little mouse" or "muscle". It originally referred to the muscles of animals or the muscles' resemblance to a mouse moving under the skin. Over time, the term was extended to refer to the human muscles as well.
2. Murmur: The word "murmur" originates from the Latin word "murmurare", which means "to murmur" or "to mutter". It evolved to refer to the soft, indistinct sound or noise made by a multitude of sources, often describing a sound that is continuous or low in volume.