The spelling of "plethysmograph" might look intimidating, but it follows a fairly straightforward pattern. The word is pronounced /plɛθɪzməɡræf/, and each syllable is spelled according to the sounds it contains. The "plethysmo-" part corresponds to the Greek root "plethysmos," meaning "fullness," and the "-graph" suffix indicates a device that records or measures something. Together, "plethysmograph" refers to a tool used to measure changes in volume, particularly in the human body. Despite its complex spelling, "plethysmograph" is a valuable term in fields such as medicine and psychology.
A plethysmograph is a medical device used for measuring changes in the size or volume of an organ or body part, usually through the assessment of blood flow or air movements. It is designed to provide objective and quantitative measurements by detecting and recording changes in volume or capacity.
In the context of cardiovascular or respiratory systems, a plethysmograph is commonly employed to assess blood flow or lung capacity. It consists of a sensor or cuff that is placed around a body part, such as a limb or the chest, and can measure the changes in blood volume or air movements occurring within that particular area.
The primary function of a plethysmograph is to accurately measure changes in the volume of an organ or tissue, without directly interfering with its normal function. It is widely used in various medical fields, including cardiology, respiratory medicine, and vascular surgery, to assess and diagnose conditions related to blood circulation, lung function, or tissue perfusion.
In addition, a plethysmograph can also be utilized in research settings to study physiological changes occurring during certain activities or in response to specific interventions. It provides valuable data that can aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing and monitoring patients, as well as researchers investigating various medical phenomena.
An instrument for recording graphically the varying size of a part as determined by the state of fullness of its blood-vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "plethysmograph" is derived from the Greek roots "plethysmo-" and "-graph".
The term "plethysmo-" comes from the Greek word "plethysmos", which means "increase" or "enlargement". It is derived from the verb "plethein", meaning "to increase" or "to be full".
The suffix "-graph" is a common suffix in English, borrowed from the Greek word "grapho", meaning "to write" or "to record". When combined with "plethysmo-", it forms "plethysmograph", which refers to an instrument used to measure and record variations in volume or size in different parts of the body, such as changes in blood flow or swelling.