PERCUSSES Meaning and
Definition
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Percusses is a verb derived from the noun "percussion," referring to the action of striking or tapping a surface or object to produce sound. Primarily used in the medical field, the term "percusses" encompasses the process of tapping on the body with the hands or a specialized instrument to assess the condition of underlying structures or determine the presence of abnormalities.
In medical examination, percussing involves gentle tapping of specific areas of the body to elicit a sound or vibration. This technique allows healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, to evaluate the size, position, and density of organs, as well as detect the presence of fluid or air in certain body cavities. For instance, percussing the chest can provide information about the shape, size, and density of the lungs, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as pneumonia or pneumothorax.
Percussion sounds are categorized into different types depending on their characteristics, such as resonance, dullness, or hyperresonance. These sounds serve as diagnostic indicators when combined with other examination techniques. The interpretation of percussion findings requires skill and knowledge, as it can provide crucial insights into the condition of internal organs or structures that may not be directly visible.
Overall, the term "percusses" relates to the process of tapping or striking the body to assess the characteristics of underlying tissues or organs, aiding in medical diagnosis and evaluation.
Etymology of PERCUSSES
The term "percusses" is derived from the Latin word "percussus", which is the past participle of the verb "percutere". In Latin, "percutere" is a combination of the preposition "per" (meaning "through") and the verb "cutere" (meaning "to strike"). Therefore, "percutere" carries the meaning of "to strike through", "to strike severely", or "to strike repeatedly". From Latin, it has been adapted into English as "percusses", referring to the act of striking or tapping a body part during a medical examination or diagnostic procedure.
Similar spelling words for PERCUSSES
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