Tympanitic resonance is a medical term used to describe a drum-like sound produced by tapping on a body cavity. The spelling of the word "tympanitic" is based on the Greek word "tympanon," meaning drum. The "ic" ending indicates that the word is an adjective. The phonetic transcription of "tympanitic" is /ˌtɪm.pəˈnɪt.ɪk/ which breaks down to T-IH-M-P-AH-N-IH-T-IH-K. Meanwhile, the word "resonance" comes from the Latin word "resonare," which means to resound. Its phonetic transcription is /ˈrɛzənəns/ or R-EH-Z-UH-N-AH-N-S.
Tympanitic resonance refers to a specific type of sound produced when a region of the body is percussed or tapped, typically in a medical examination. It is characterized by a loud, high-pitched, hollow, and drum-like sound. This resonance occurs when air or gas accumulates in a body cavity and subsequently creates an increased vibration in response to percussion. The term "tympanitic" is derived from the word "tympanum," which refers to a drum or the eardrum.
In a medical context, tympanitic resonance is often used to assess the presence of certain conditions or abnormalities. For instance, percussion of the abdomen may reveal tympanitic resonance, indicating the presence of excessive gas or an air-filled hollow organ such as the stomach or intestines. It can help diagnose conditions like bowel obstruction, pneumothorax, or peritonitis.
Tympanitic resonance is contrasted with other types of percussive sounds, such as dullness or flatness, which are indicative of more solid structures or fluid-filled regions. The ability to recognize and interpret these varying types of resonance is a crucial skill for healthcare professionals in order to help determine the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms. By assessing tympanitic resonance, clinicians can gain valuable insights into the condition of a patient's body and assist in making accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
A drum like r. obtained by percussion over a large space filled with air, as the stomach or intestine, or a large pulmonary cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tympanitic" originates from the Greek word "tympanon", which means "drum". It is derived from the instrument used in ancient Greek music, which resembled a small drum. "Resonance", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "resonare", which means "to resound". In medical terminology, "tympanitic resonance" is used to describe a hollow or drum-like sound produced when a part of the body, such as the abdomen, is tapped. The term combines the concept of a drum-like sound with the idea of resonance.