TOCODYNAMOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A tocodynamometer is a medical device primarily used in obstetrics and gynecology to measure and monitor uterine contractions during labor. It is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to accurately assess the progress of labor and evaluate the strength, frequency, and duration of contractions.
The name "tocodynamometer" is derived from the Greek words "tokos," which means childbirth, "dynamo," which means power, and "meter," which means measure. This perfectly describes the purpose of the device as it measures the power of uterine contractions during childbirth.
The tocodynamometer consists of two main components: a pressure-sensitive probe and an electronic monitoring system. The probe, usually placed over the mother's abdomen with the aid of a belt, detects and records changes in uterine pressure caused by contractions. The electronic monitoring system is responsible for converting the pressure data into waveforms that are displayed on a monitor or printed on a paper strip.
By observing these waveforms, healthcare professionals can determine the strength and frequency of contractions, which are crucial indicators of labor progression. This information allows them to monitor the welfare of both the mother and the fetus and make informed decisions regarding pain management, delivery techniques, and interventions if necessary.
Overall, the tocodynamometer is an essential tool in modern obstetrics, enabling accurate monitoring and assessment of uterine contractions, contributing to safer and more effective childbirth experiences.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TOCODYNAMOMETER
- rocodynamometer
- focodynamometer
- gocodynamometer
- yocodynamometer
- 6ocodynamometer
- 5ocodynamometer
- ticodynamometer
- tkcodynamometer
- tlcodynamometer
- tpcodynamometer
- t0codynamometer
- t9codynamometer
- toxodynamometer
- tovodynamometer
- tofodynamometer
- tocidynamometer
- tockdynamometer
- tocldynamometer
- tocpdynamometer
- toc0dynamometer
Etymology of TOCODYNAMOMETER
The word "tocodynamometer" is composed of three roots: "tocodyno", "metron", and "meter".
The root "tocodyno" comes from the Greek word "tokos" (τοκος), meaning "childbirth" or "delivery", and "dyno" (δυνο), meaning "to measure". Combined, "tocodyno" refers to measuring or monitoring uterine contractions during labor.
The root "metron" (μετρον) also derives from Greek and means "measure" or "measurement". It is commonly used in English to refer to units of measurement, such as kilometer or millimeter.
Lastly, the word "meter" is based on the Greek word "metron" and denotes an instrument used to measure. In this context, "meter" refers to a device that measures uterine contractions during labor.
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