The word "rhexis" is spelled with the letter combination "rh" at the beginning, which indicates a voiceless aspirated sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "rhexis" is /ˈrɛksɪs/. This means that the "rh" is pronounced as a combination of an "r" sound and an aspiration of air. The "e" is pronounced with a short "eh" sound, and the "x" is pronounced as a "ks" sound. Finally, the "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, and the "s" is pronounced as an "s" sound at the end.
Rhexis is a medical term derived from the Greek word "rhexein," meaning to burst or rupture. In the field of medicine, rhexis refers to the process or act of rupturing or tearing apart an anatomical structure.
Specifically, rhexis often pertains to the tearing or rupture of tissues within the human body, such as organs or blood vessels. This can occur due to various factors, including trauma, disease, or surgical procedures. In surgical contexts, rhexis may refer to a controlled tear or incision made by a surgeon during a procedure to gain access or remove a specific structure.
For example, during a cataract surgery, an anterior capsulorhexis is performed to create a precise circular tear in the anterior capsule of the lens, allowing for its removal. In another instance, coronary artery rhexis might be used to describe a rupture or tear in the coronary artery, often associated with a heart attack.
Overall, rhexis is a term commonly used in medical contexts to describe the phenomenon of tearing or rupturing within the body. Its usage helps medical professionals communicate specific details about the nature and location of a tear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Bursting or rupture of an organ or vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "rhexis" is derived from the Greek word "rhexein", which means "to burst" or "to break". In medical terminology, "rhexis" is used to describe a rupture or breaking of a part or organ of the body.