Backflow
Backflow
Backflow (/ˈbakˌflō/) is a term used in medicine and plumbing to describe a situation where water or other liquids, gases, or suspended solids flow in the opposite direction from the intended one. In a medical context, it often refers to the reverse flow of blood or other bodily fluids.
Etymology
The term "backflow" is derived from the English words "back", meaning in the opposite direction or return, and "flow", referring to the movement of a fluid.
Medical Context
In the field of medicine, backflow can occur in various situations. For example, in the circulatory system, backflow of blood is prevented by valves in the veins. If these valves fail, it can lead to conditions such as varicose veins or venous insufficiency.
Backflow can also refer to the reverse flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In dentistry, backflow refers to the reverse flow of saliva or other fluids into a dental waterline.
Plumbing Context
In plumbing, backflow is a critical issue that can lead to contamination of potable water supplies with foul water. To prevent this, various forms of backflow prevention devices are used.
Related Terms
- Backflow prevention device
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Backflow
- Wikipedia's article - Backflow
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