The correct spelling for the term "venous hum" is pronounced /ˈviːnəs hʌm/. The word "venous" is pronounced as "V-ee-n-u-s" while "hum" is pronounced as "h-u-m". The term refers to a low pitched sound that is heard through a stethoscope when blood passes through the jugular vein. The venous hum is a harmless sound that can provide information about the circulatory system of the body during medical examinations. Accurate spelling of medical terms is crucial to avoid confusion in the healthcare industry.
Venous hum refers to a specific type of innocent or benign sound heard through auscultation, which is the act of listening to sounds inside the body. This auditory phenomenon occurs due to the flow of blood through the veins, specifically in the neck region. The term "hum" is used to describe the sound as a low, continuous, and often soft buzzing or murmuring noise.
The venous hum is typically heard during childhood and disappears as an individual grows older, usually by adolescence. It is most commonly found in the external jugular veins, which are situated in the neck and carry deoxygenated blood to the heart. The hum is more likely to be audible when the individual is positioned in an upright or seated position, and it often vanishes in the supine or lying down position.
This sound is considered to be benign as it is typically not associated with any underlying health conditions or symptoms. Nonetheless, in some cases, it may be louder or more noticeable, causing mild discomfort or concern. This can occur due to increased blood flow through the veins or when there is an underlying medical condition such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension. In such cases, further medical evaluation may be necessary to rule out any potential health issues or to identify the specific cause of the amplified venous hum.
Overall, a venous hum is a harmless sound caused by blood flow through the neck veins and is typically present in children but disappears with age.
A musical murmur heard on auscultation over the larger veins in the neck, especially when pressure on them is made with the bell of the stethoscope.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "venous hum" has its roots in Latin and English.
The term "venous" comes from the Latin word "vena", which means "a vein". It refers to the blood vessels responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart. In medical terminology, "venous" commonly relates to matters concerning veins.
The term "hum" is an English word meaning "a low, continuous sound". It originated from the Middle English word "hummen", which is imitative of the sound it represents.
Therefore, the term "venous hum" is a combination of Latin and English, with "venous" referring to the blood vessels, and "hum" representing the continuous sound that is often associated with this particular medical condition.