PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudomembranous is an adjective that refers to a medical condition characterized by the presence of a false membrane in an organ or body part. The term is often used to describe a specific type of inflammation that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colon.
The prefix "pseudo-" in pseudomembranous indicates that the membrane is not a natural or normal part of the affected tissue. It is an abnormal formation that appears due to infection or inflammation. The membrane is typically composed of a combination of fibrin, inflammatory cells, dead tissue, and mucus, which adhere to the surface of the organ, creating a pseudomembrane.
The development of a pseudomembrane is commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that can overgrow in the colon after antibiotic therapy. This condition is known as pseudomembranous colitis, which can lead to symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes life-threatening complications.
In addition to the gastrointestinal tract, pseudomembranous can also be used to describe similar conditions that affect other organs, such as the respiratory system or the eyes. For example, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis refers to an infection of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye) that results in the formation of a false membrane.
Overall, pseudomembranous is a term commonly used in medical contexts to describe the presence of an abnormal, false membrane that forms as a result of infection or inflammation.
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Relating to or marked by the presence of a false membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS
- oseudomembranous
- lseudomembranous
- -seudomembranous
- 0seudomembranous
- paeudomembranous
- pzeudomembranous
- pxeudomembranous
- pdeudomembranous
- peeudomembranous
- pweudomembranous
- pswudomembranous
- pssudomembranous
- psdudomembranous
- psrudomembranous
- ps4udomembranous
- ps3udomembranous
- pseydomembranous
- psehdomembranous
- psejdomembranous
- pseidomembranous
Etymology of PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS
The word "pseudomembranous" is derived from two roots: "pseudo-" and "membranous".
The prefix "pseudo-" comes from the Greek word "pseudes", meaning false or pretended. It is commonly used to indicate something that is deceptive, simulated, or resembling something else.
The root "membranous" is derived from the Latin word "membrana", which means a thin, flexible covering or layer. It is related to the concept of a membrane.
Therefore, the word "pseudomembranous" combines these two roots to form a term that describes something resembling or simulating a membrane, but is not a true or normal membrane. This word is often used in the medical field to describe a condition characterized by the formation of false membranes on certain mucous membranes, such as those in the throat or intestines.
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