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Diaphragm (muscle)
Diaphragm (muscle) The muscle that separates the chest (thoracic) cavity from the abdomen. The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration. Contraction of the diaphragm muscle expands the lungs during inspiration when one is breathing air in. We rely heavily on the diaphragm for our respiratory function so that when the diaphragm is impaired, it can compromise our breathing. The nerve that controls the diaphragm is the phrenic nerve, which originates much high (at C3-C5). During development the diaphragm moves down and drags the phrenic nerve with it.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Muscle
Tissue made up of bundles of long, slender cells that contract when stimulated.
Chest
The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains the lungs, the heart and part of the aorta. The walls of the chest are supported by the dorsal vertebrae, the ribs, and the sternum.
Cavity
A hollow place or hole within the body.
Abdomen
The area between the chest and the hips. Contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
Diaphragm
The muscle wall between the chest and the abdomen. It is the major muscle that the body uses for breathing.
Respiration
The act or process of breathing. The process by which a living organism or cell takes in oxygen from the air or water and uses it.
Contraction
During labor, the strong, rhythmic tightening of the uterus. Pre-laborcontractions are usually irregular and don't increase in intensity orduration.
Lungs
The main respiratory organs in the chest where blood is oxygenated.
Breathing
The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth or nose due to muscle contraction, and then exhaled due to muscle relaxation.
Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
Development
The process of growth and differentiation.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Diaper rash
Also called "diaper dermatitis," a diaper rash is a skin inflammatory reaction localized to the area usually covered by the diaper. It can have many causes including infections (yeast, bacterial or viral), friction irritation, chemical allergies (perfumes, soaps), sweat and plugging of sweat glands.
Diaper rash, yeast
Infection in the diaper area caused by a yeast formerly called Monilia and now called Candida. These organisms are part of the germs normally found in various parts of the body and ordinarily do not cause any symptoms.
Diaphoresis
Excessive sweating.
Diaphragm
The muscle wall between the chest and the abdomen. It is the major muscle that the body uses for breathing.
Diaphragm (contraceptive)
A barrier method of contraception that is available by prescription only and must be sized by a health professional to achieve a proper fit.
Diaphragm pacing
A procedure to help patients with spinal cord injuries to breathe. Their breathing is helped by setting the respiratory rate by electrical stimulation (pacing) of the phrenic nerve. The pacing is accomplished via electrodes surgically implanted into the diaphragm, which is innervated by the phrenic nerve.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A hole in the diaphragm that allows abdominal contents to push into thechest cavity. In severe instances, a baby's stomach and part of the large intestines will displace the heart and lungs, requiring emergency surgery.
Diaphyseal aclasis
A syndrome in which there are multiple enchondromata.
Diapid
Diapid is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): lypressin.
Diaplopia
Double vision.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Diachronic study
A study done over the course of time. For example, a longitudinal study of children with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) might involve the study of 100 children with this condition from birth to 10 years of age. Also called a longitudinal study. The opposite of a synchronic (cross-sectional) study.
Diagnostic mammogram
An X-ray of the breast done to evaluate: Abnormalities seen or suspected on a prior screening mammogram; Subjective or objectives abnormalities in the breast such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or a inexplicable change in breast size or shape; Breasts for which it is difficult to obtain a clear X-ray by a screening mammogram because of special circumstances such as breast implants.
Diaper rash
Also called "diaper dermatitis," a diaper rash is a skin inflammatory reaction localized to the area usually covered by the diaper. It can have many causes including infections (yeast, bacterial or viral), friction irritation, chemical allergies (perfumes, soaps), sweat and plugging of sweat glands.
Diaper rash, yeast
Infection in the diaper area caused by a yeast formerly called Monilia and now called Candida. These organisms are part of the germs normally found in various parts of the body and ordinarily do not cause any symptoms.
Diaphragm (contraceptive)
A barrier method of contraception that is available by prescription only and must be sized by a health professional to achieve a proper fit.
Diaphragm (muscle)
Diaphragm pacing
A procedure to help patients with spinal cord injuries to breathe. Their breathing is helped by setting the respiratory rate by electrical stimulation (pacing) of the phrenic nerve. The pacing is accomplished via electrodes surgically implanted into the diaphragm, which is innervated by the phrenic nerve.
Diarrhea and dermatitis, zinc deficiency
Among the consequences of zinc deficiency, dermatitis (skin inflammation) and diarrhea are particularly prominent features.
Diarrhea, antibiotic-induced
A bacterium called Clostridium difficile (C.difficile), one of the most common causes of infection of the large bowel (colon). Patients taking antibiotics are at particular risk of becoming infected with C. difficile. Antibiotics disrupt the normal bacteria of the bowel, allowing C. difficile bacteria (and other bacteria) to become established and overgrow the colon. Many persons infected with C. difficile bacteria have no symptoms but can become carriers of the bacteria and infect others. In other people, a toxin produced by C. difficile causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe inflammation of the colon (colitis), fever, an elevated white blood count, vomiting and dehydration. In severely affected patients, the inner lining of the colon becomes severely inflamed (a condition called pseudomembranous colitis). Rarely, the walls of the colon wear away and holes develop (colon perforation), which can lead to a life-threatening infection of the abdomen.
Diarrhea, Brainerd
A syndrome characterized by the acute onset of watery nonbloody diarrhea (3 or more loose stools per day), lasting 4 weeks or more, and resolving spontaneously. The disease is of unknown causation and appears in outbreaks or as sporadic cases.
Diarrhea, E. coli hemorrhagic
Bloody colitis (inflammation of the bowel) caused by E. coli. The diarrhea is severe with painful abdominal cramps, gross blood in the stool, and lasts for 6 to 8 days.
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