Traube's space: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A space in the left hypochondrium of the human body}}
{{Short description|Anatomical region of the human body}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''Traube's space''' is a semilunar region of the left hypochondrium of the human body, defined by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. It is an important area for clinical examination, particularly in the assessment of [[splenomegaly]].
'''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==
==Anatomy==
Traube's space is named after the German physician [[Ludwig Traube]], who described it in the 19th century. The space is located on the left side of the body, overlying the stomach and the fundus of the [[spleen]]. It is bounded by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. The area is typically tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach.
[[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:
 
* 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==
==Clinical significance==
Percussion of Traube's space is a common clinical technique used to assess the size of the spleen. In a healthy individual, the space is tympanic due to the underlying stomach. However, in cases of [[splenomegaly]], the spleen enlarges and occupies this space, resulting in dullness on percussion. This change in percussion note can help clinicians diagnose conditions such as [[infectious mononucleosis]], [[cirrhosis]], and [[hematological disorders]].
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.


==Examination technique==
===Percussion===
To examine Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner percusses from the midline of the abdomen laterally towards the left axillary line. A change from tympanic to dull percussion note suggests splenic enlargement. It is important to note that other factors, such as a full stomach or left-sided pleural effusion, can also affect the percussion note.
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==
==Related pages==
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* [[Splenomegaly]]
* [[Splenomegaly]]
* [[Percussion (medicine)]]
* [[Percussion (medicine)]]
* [[Ludwig Traube]]


==Gallery==
[[Category:Anatomy]]
<gallery>
File:Gray1220.png|Diagram showing the location of Traube's space.
File:Illu_spleen.jpg|Illustration of the spleen, which can enlarge into Traube's space.
</gallery>
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
[[Category:Human anatomy]]
[[Category:Medical signs]]
[[Category:Medical signs]]
= Traube's Space =
<gallery>
File:Traube's_space_Gray1220.png
File:Illu_spleen.jpg
</gallery>

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]

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:

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]