The term "pulsus cordis" refers to the pulse of the heart. In terms of spelling, "pulsus" is pronounced /'pʊl.sʊs/ with the stress placed on the first syllable. The second word, "cordis," is pronounced /'kɔː.dɪs/ with stress again placed on the first syllable. The "s" at the end of "pulsus" and the "d" at the end of "cordis" indicate the singular form of the words. Correctly spelling "pulsus cordis" is essential in accurately communicating about the heartbeat of an individual.
Pulsus cordis, also known as the pulse of the heart, is a medical term used to describe the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arteries, which is felt as a palpable wave or throb on the surface of the body. It is the result of the heart's pumping action that supplies blood to all the organs and tissues in the body.
The pulsus cordis is typically assessed by healthcare professionals by placing their fingertips over arteries located in various parts of the body, such as the radial artery in the wrist or the carotid artery in the neck. The strength, rate, and regularity of the pulse are evaluated to gather important information about a person's cardiovascular health.
In a healthy individual, the pulsus cordis is typically regular, indicating a normal heart rhythm. The strength or amplitude of the pulse can vary depending on factors such as age, physical activity, and emotional state. Abnormalities in the pulsus cordis, such as a weak or absent pulse, can be indicative of underlying cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, arterial blockages, or arrhythmias.
Monitoring and assessing the pulsus cordis is an integral part of physical examinations, as it provides valuable insights into a person's overall cardiovascular health and can assist in diagnosing and managing various heart-related disorders.
The apex beat of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pulsus cordis" comes from Latin.
- "Pulsus" is the past participle of the Latin verb "pellere", meaning "to beat" or "to strike".
- "Cordis" is the genitive singular form of the Latin noun "cor", which means "heart".
Therefore, "pulsus cordis" translates to "beat of the heart" or "heartbeat" in English.