Transudate is a medical term used to describe the fluid that passes through the walls of blood vessels into body cavities or tissues. The word is pronounced /ˈtrænzjuːdeɪt/ and is spelled using the combination of letters 'trans' (meaning 'across') and 'udate' (from the Latin word 'udare,' meaning 'to moisten'). The 'u' in 'udate' is pronounced as in the word 'put.' The word is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the type of fluid that accumulates in conditions like heart failure and liver disease.
Transudate is a noun that refers to a fluid or liquid substance that has passed through a membrane, specifically in the context of medical or biological processes. It is the result of transudation, which involves the movement or filtration of a fluid across a barrier or membrane due to differences in pressure or concentration.
Transudate is typically characterized by its low protein content and clear appearance. It is notably different from an exudate, which is a fluid with a higher protein concentration and may have a cloudy or purulent appearance due to the presence of cells or debris.
Transudate can occur in various parts of the body, such as the pleural cavity, peritoneal cavity, or joints, as a response to specific physiological conditions. It may be generated due to alterations in hydrostatic pressure, osmotic gradients, or changes in the permeability of the capillaries or membranes.
Medical professionals often analyze and evaluate transudate in order to determine the underlying causes or conditions that may be present. By examining its composition, including protein levels and specific gravity, in conjunction with other clinical information, they can help diagnose and manage certain medical conditions or diseases.
Overall, transudate represents a fluid or liquid that has diffused or leaked across a membrane, typically arising from imbalances in pressure or concentration gradients within the body.
An exudate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "transudate" comes from the Latin word "transudare", which is a combination of the prefix "trans-" (meaning "across" or "beyond") and the verb "udare" (meaning "to be wet" or "to moisten"). In medical terminology, "transudate" refers to a fluid that has passed through a membrane or tissue, typically referring to the liquid component of blood that has escaped into tissues or cavities due to increased pressure or certain medical conditions.