SPHYGMOSCOPE Meaning and
Definition
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A sphygmoscope is a medical device used for measuring blood pressure. It is a specialized device that consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope. The purpose of a sphygmoscope is to assess the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of arteries, which is commonly referred to as blood pressure.
The design and functionality of a sphygmoscope allow for accurate and precise measurement of blood pressure. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated using a hand pump, causing temporary occlusion of blood flow. The pressure gauge provides a numerical reading of the pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
To measure blood pressure using a sphygmoscope, a healthcare professional places the stethoscope on the brachial artery, which is located in the bend of the elbow. As the cuff is slowly deflated, blood flow is gradually restored, and the healthcare professional listens for two distinct sounds known as Korotkoff sounds. These sounds represent the flow of blood through the artery. The first sound indicates the systolic blood pressure, and the point at which the sound disappears represents the diastolic blood pressure.
Accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions, including hypertension and hypotension. The sphygmoscope is a vital tool in clinical settings, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions regarding patient care and treatment plans.
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An instrument by which the pulse beats are made visible by causing fluid to rise in a glass tube, by means of a mirror projecting a beam of light, or simply by a moving lever as in the sphygmograph.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPHYGMOSCOPE
- aphygmoscope
- zphygmoscope
- xphygmoscope
- dphygmoscope
- ephygmoscope
- wphygmoscope
- sohygmoscope
- slhygmoscope
- s-hygmoscope
- s0hygmoscope
- spgygmoscope
- spbygmoscope
- spnygmoscope
- spjygmoscope
- spuygmoscope
- spyygmoscope
- sphtgmoscope
- sphggmoscope
- sphhgmoscope
- sphugmoscope
Etymology of SPHYGMOSCOPE
The word "sphygmoscope" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "sphygmos" and "skopein".
1. "Sphygmos" (σφυγμός) means "pulse" in Greek. It refers to the rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries caused by the heartbeat.
2. "Skopein" (σκοπεῖν) means "to observe" or "to examine" in Greek. It is a common root for words related to visual examination or observation.
Therefore, "sphygmoscope" can be understood as a device or instrument used to observe or examine the pulse. It is typically used to measure blood pressure or monitor the heartbeat.
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