How Do You Spell SPHYGMOGRAM?

Pronunciation: [sfˈɪɡməɡɹˌam] (IPA)

Sphygmogram is a term used in medicine to refer to a record of arterial blood pressure. The pronunciation of this word in IPA phonetic transcription is /sfɪɡməɡræm/. The "sph" at the beginning of the word is spelled with a "ph" as it is derived from the Greek word "sphygmos", meaning pulse. The "y" between the "ph" and the "gm" indicates the sound "ig". In the end, the "gram" portion of the word relates to writing or a record, hence the "gram" spelling.

SPHYGMOGRAM Meaning and Definition

1. A sphygmogram refers to the graphical representation of a pulse or blood pressure waveform obtained using a sphygmograph, an instrument used to record variations in arterial pressure. Derived from the Greek words "sphygmos" meaning pulse and "gramma" meaning a written record, a sphygmogram is a visual representation of arterial pulsations over time.

   Typically, a sphygmogram consists of a series of up and down curves or waves that illustrate the changes in pressure within an artery during the cardiac cycle. It provides valuable information about the characteristics of the pulse waveform, including the amplitude, height, duration, and contour of the waves.

   A sphygmogram is generated by placing a sphygmograph, a mechanical or electronic device, over an artery, usually the radial artery in the wrist or the carotid artery in the neck. As blood flow alternately expands and contracts the artery with each heartbeat, the sphygmograph translates these variations into a visual representation on a paper or electronic display.

   The sphygmogram can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring various cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and valvular heart diseases. It provides insights into the efficiency of the heart's pumping action, the elasticity of the arterial walls, and the overall cardiovascular health.

   With the advent of advanced technology, sphygmograms can now be obtained using non-invasive methods, such as automated blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, or other wearable devices capable of measuring pulse and blood pressure. These modern techniques allow for real-time assessment and analysis of the sphygmogram, aiding in the management of cardiovascular diseases.

2. The graphic curve made by a sphygmograph.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SPHYGMOGRAM

• aphygmogram
• zphygmogram
• xphygmogram
• dphygmogram
• ephygmogram
• wphygmogram
• sohygmogram
• slhygmogram
• s-hygmogram
• s0hygmogram
• spgygmogram
• spbygmogram
• spnygmogram
• spjygmogram
• spuygmogram
• spyygmogram
• sphtgmogram
• sphggmogram
• sphhgmogram
• sphugmogram

Etymology of SPHYGMOGRAM

The word "sphygmogram" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "sphygmos" meaning "pulse" or "heartbeat" and "gramma" meaning "something written" or "a record".

The term was coined in the late 19th century by a French physiologist, Étienne-Jules Marey, who developed a device called the sphygmograph. This instrument was used to record and analyze the pulse waveforms or arterial pulsations. Marey used this tool to create graphical representations of the variations in blood pressure over time, known as sphygmograms.