Plethysmograph

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Plethysmograph

A Plethysmograph (pronunciation: /plɛθɪzˈmɒɡræf/) is a device used to measure changes in volume within an organ or whole body that result from fluctuations in the amount of blood or air it contains.

Etymology

The term "Plethysmograph" is derived from the Greek words "plethysmos" meaning increase, and "graph" meaning to write.

Usage

In medicine, a Plethysmograph is often used to determine the lung volume in pulmonology or to detect peripheral artery disease in cardiology. It can also be used in neurology to measure changes in blood flow in the brain.

Types

There are two main types of Plethysmographs:

  • Body Plethysmograph: This measures the volume of air in the lungs, including the volume that remains at the end of a normal exhaled breath.
  • Limb Plethysmograph: This measures changes in limb volume to quantify the amount of blood in the limb.

Related Terms

  • Spirometry: A common office test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.
  • Pulmonary function tests: A group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation.
  • Cardiopulmonary: Pertaining to both the heart and the lungs.

External links

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