Pulsus fluens is a Latin term used to describe a rapid, flowing pulse. The correct pronunciation of this term is "puhl-soos floo-enz," with the stress on the second syllable of each word. The 'p' in 'pulsus' is pronounced as a voiceless bilabial plosive, while the 's' is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative. The 'u' in 'fluens' is pronounced as a long u sound, and the 'e' is pronounced as a short e sound. The final 's' in both words is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative.
Pulsus fluens is a Latin term used in medical literature to describe a type of pulse rhythm. The term can be broken down into two components: "pulsus," meaning pulse, and "fluens," meaning flowing. Together, they describe a pulsation characterized by a flowing, continuous, or uninterrupted pattern.
In terms of medical significance, pulsus fluens refers to an abnormal pulse rhythm that exhibits a steady, smooth, and regular flow. It is often indicative of specific medical conditions or physiological changes within the body. This rhythm is typically identified by healthcare professionals during pulse examinations or when monitoring a patient's vital signs.
The pulsus fluens rhythm can be contrasted with other types of pulses, such as pulsus alternans (alternating rhythm) or pulsus paradoxus (paradoxical pulse). Unlike these variations, pulsus fluens does not display alternating surges or the presence of an abnormal pulse when a patient inhales or exhales.
The presence of pulsus fluens may indicate underlying conditions like aortic regurgitation, in which the aortic valve does not close properly, leading to blood flow back into the left ventricle. This condition can result in a distinct continuous pulse pattern due to the persistent regurgitation of blood into the ventricle during diastole.
Overall, the term pulsus fluens is used to describe a particular type of pulse rhythm seen in specific medical conditions, where the pulse exhibits a steady and continuous flow, differentiating it from other pulse variations.
Undulating pulse, p. undulosus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term pulsus fluens is Latin and its etymology can be broken down as follows:
- Pulsus is a noun derived from the Latin verb pulsare, meaning to beat or to strike. It refers to a beating or pulsation, particularly that of the pulse.
- Fluens is a present participle of the Latin verb fluere, meaning to flow. It denotes something that is flowing or streaming.
When combined, pulsus fluens can be translated as flowing pulse or pulse that flows.