PALPABLE KIDNEY Meaning and
Definition
-
A palpable kidney refers to a medical condition wherein the kidney can be felt or detected through physical examination due to its abnormal position or size. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys are positioned deep within the abdominal cavity, protected by layers of muscle and fat. However, in some cases, the kidney may become displaced and move closer to the surface, making it palpable or tangible to touch.
Palpable kidneys are commonly associated with medical conditions such as kidney ptosis (also known as nephroptosis or floating kidney), where the kidney drops down into a lower position within the abdomen. This condition can occur due to factors such as weight loss, pregnancy, significant loss of abdominal fat, or structural abnormalities of the surrounding ligaments that support the kidney.
Detecting a palpable kidney usually involves a physical examination conducted by a medical professional. During the examination, the kidney may be felt as a firm mass that can be moved or pressed upon. The presence of a palpable kidney can aid in the diagnosis of underlying conditions and help guide further diagnostic tests.
It is important to note that the identification of a palpable kidney does not necessarily indicate the presence of a serious medical condition. However, medical evaluation is advised to determine the underlying cause and any necessary treatment.
-
A slight degree of nephroptosia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PALPABLE KIDNEY
- oalpable kidney
- lalpable kidney
- -alpable kidney
- 0alpable kidney
- pzlpable kidney
- pslpable kidney
- pwlpable kidney
- pqlpable kidney
- pakpable kidney
- pappable kidney
- paopable kidney
- paloable kidney
- pallable kidney
- pal-able kidney
- pal0able kidney
- palpzble kidney
- palpsble kidney
- palpwble kidney
- palpqble kidney
- palpavle kidney
Etymology of PALPABLE KIDNEY
The term "palpable kidney" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a medical term used to describe a physical examination finding.
In medicine, palpable means something that can be felt by touch, and kidney refers to one of the paired organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. When a healthcare professional identifies a palpable kidney during an examination, it means that they can physically feel and pinpoint the organ's location.
So, the word "palpable kidney" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a combination of two medical terms.
