Traube's space: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:22, 21 February 2025

Anatomical region of the human body

Traube's space is an anatomical region of the human body, located on the left side of the lower chest. It is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube. This space is clinically significant as it is used in the physical examination of the spleen.

Anatomy[edit]

Traube's space is a semilunar region on the left side of the thorax. It is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks:

Superiorly by the sixth rib
Inferiorly by the costal margin
Laterally by the mid-axillary line

The space is located over the fundus of the stomach and the anterior border of the spleen.

Clinical significance[edit]

Traube's space is used in the clinical examination to assess for splenomegaly, which is the enlargement of the spleen. Normally, this space is tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach. However, if the spleen is enlarged, it may extend into Traube's space, causing dullness on percussion.

Percussion[edit]

Percussion of Traube's space is performed by tapping the area with the fingers and listening for changes in sound. A tympanic sound indicates that the stomach is present beneath the space, while a dull sound may suggest splenic enlargement or other pathological conditions such as pleural effusion or gastric distension.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Minamata disease''' is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. The disease was first discovered in Minamata city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, in 1956. It was caused by the release of methylmercury in the industrial wastewater from the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory, which continued from 1932 to 1968. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea, which, when eaten by the local populace, resulted in mercury poisoning.
+{{Short description|Anatomical region of the human body}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==History==
+'''Traube's space''' is an anatomical region of the human body, located on the left side of the lower chest. It is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube. This space is clinically significant as it is used in the physical examination of the spleen.
-The timeline of Minamata disease can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory in Minamata city. The factory began its operation in 1908, producing acetaldehyde using a mercury catalyst. The wastewater from the factory, which contained methylmercury, was discharged into Minamata Bay.
-===1950s===
+==Anatomy==
-In the 1950s, the first cases of Minamata disease were officially discovered. In 1956, a local hospital reported an "epidemic of an unknown disease of the central nervous system", marking the official discovery of the disease. The victims were suffering from a range of symptoms, including ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death followed within weeks of the onset of symptoms.
+[[File:Gray1220.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing Traube's space.]]
+Traube's space is a semilunar region on the left side of the thorax. It is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks:
-===1960s===
+* Superiorly by the [[sixth rib]]
-In the 1960s, the cause of the disease was traced back to the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory. In 1968, the factory stopped its wastewater discharge into Minamata Bay, marking the end of the severe mercury poisoning.
+* Inferiorly by the [[costal margin]]
+* Laterally by the [[mid-axillary line]]
-==Symptoms==
+The space is located over the fundus of the [[stomach]] and the anterior border of the [[spleen]].
-The symptoms of Minamata disease include ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death can occur.
-==Treatment==
+==Clinical significance==
-There is no specific treatment for Minamata disease. The disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to mercury. Once a person is diagnosed with the disease, the progression can be slowed down with supportive measures.
+Traube's space is used in the clinical examination to assess for [[splenomegaly]], which is the enlargement of the spleen. Normally, this space is tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach. However, if the spleen is enlarged, it may extend into Traube's space, causing dullness on percussion.
-==See also==
+===Percussion===
-* [[Mercury poisoning]]
+Percussion of Traube's space is performed by tapping the area with the fingers and listening for changes in sound. A tympanic sound indicates that the stomach is present beneath the space, while a dull sound may suggest splenic enlargement or other pathological conditions such as [[pleural effusion]] or [[gastric distension]].
-* [[Methylmercury]]
-* [[Chisso Corporation]]
-* [[Industrial wastewater]]
-==References==
+==Related pages==
-<references />
+* [[Spleen]]
+* [[Splenomegaly]]
+* [[Percussion (medicine)]]
+* [[Ludwig Traube]]
-[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
+[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source]]
+[[Category:Medical signs]]
-[[Category:Industrial disasters]]
-[[Category:Health in Japan]]
-{{stub}}