Medical Terminology · Digestive System · Hard

Laparotomy

Meaning: A surgical incision through the abdominal wall to access the abdominal cavity.

In practice: An emergency laparotomy was performed for a perforated bowel after the CT scan showed free air in the abdomen.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related medical terminology words.

Which word means: Relating to the cheek, or given by placing a drug between the cheek and gum.

Which word means: Directed towards the front of the head or nose, used especially when describing the brain.

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