Retention

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Retention (Medicine)

Retention (/rɪˈtɛnʃən/), in the field of medicine, refers to the body's inability to expel a substance or to cease performing a function. This term is often used in relation to the urinary system, but it can apply to other bodily systems as well.

Etymology

The term "retention" originates from the Latin word "retentio," which means "a holding back." It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century.

Types of Retention

There are several types of retention in medicine, including:

  • Urinary Retention: This is a condition in which the bladder is unable to completely empty of urine. It can be acute or chronic, and it may require medical intervention.
  • Bowel Retention: Also known as constipation, this condition occurs when the bowel is unable to expel waste properly.
  • Fluid Retention: This condition, also known as edema, occurs when the body retains more water and fluids than it should. This can lead to swelling in various parts of the body.

Related Terms

  • Incontinence: This is the opposite of retention, where the body is unable to hold in urine or feces.
  • Catheterization: This is a procedure often used to relieve urinary retention.
  • Diuretics: These are medications often used to treat fluid retention.

See Also

References

External links

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