Clinical Diagnosis · Digestive System · Medium
Peritonitis
Meaning: Inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
In practice: Often follows bowel perforation; signs include guarding, rigidity, rebound tenderness and absent bowel sounds.
Word parts
- peri- means around
- -itis means inflammation
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Dilated, tortuous veins, especially in the oesophagus due to portal hypertension.
Answer: Varices
Which word means: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that suppresses the immune system.
Answer: Methotrexate
Words like peritonitis come up in the daily game
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