DICROTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Dicrotism is a term primarily used in the field of physiology, specifically in reference to the pulsation or pulse waveform of blood flow measured in arteries. It refers to the phenomenon where there are two distinct upswings or notches, known as waves, on the pulse waveform graph. These waves are usually observed during the normal cardiac cycle, representing the opening and closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves.
The first wave, referred to as the primary wave, is generated by the contraction of the left ventricle of the heart, leading to the ejection of blood into the aorta. The second wave, known as the dicrotic wave, occurs after the closure of the aortic valve, causing a slight increase in arterial pressure. This increase is caused by the slight reflux of blood from the aorta into the ventricle. The dicrotic wave appears as a smaller peak just before the return to the baseline.
Dicrotism can be measured using various medical devices such as pulse wave sensors, pressure transducers, or simply by palpation. It is often used as an indicator of cardiac performance and vascular health. Normal dicrotic pulse waves indicate proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels, while abnormalities can reveal conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, or arterial stiffness.
Overall, dicrotism is a physiological phenomenon characterized by the presence of two distinct waves on the pulse waveform graph, representing the ejection of blood from the heart and the closure of the aortic valve.
Common Misspellings for DICROTISM
- sicrotism
- xicrotism
- cicrotism
- ficrotism
- ricrotism
- eicrotism
- ducrotism
- djcrotism
- dkcrotism
- docrotism
- d9crotism
- d8crotism
- dixrotism
- divrotism
- difrotism
- didrotism
- diceotism
- dicdotism
- dicfotism
- Diarotism
Etymology of DICROTISM
The word "dicrotism" is derived from the Greek words "di-" meaning "two" and "krotos" meaning "beating" or "rhythm". It combines these roots to refer to the existence of two beats or pulses in each cardiac cycle. This term is often used in reference to a particular abnormality in the pulse rhythm, where there is a double pulsation instead of a single pulse.
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