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Palpation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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palpation

[pรฆlหˆpeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical examination

Palpation is a technique used by healthcare providers to examine the body through the sense of touch. It can include feeling the size, shape, firmness, or location of body parts and is often used to assess pain, tenderness or swelling. This method is fundamental in diagnosing various medical conditions and assessing the health of patients.

Synonyms

physical assessment, touch examination.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor performed palpation on the abdomen to check for any abnormalities.
  • During the physical examination, palpation was used to evaluate the patientโ€™s lymph nodes.
  • Palpation revealed a tender area in the shoulder, suggesting possible inflammation.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Medical Practices

  • Often used in physical exams to assess the size and condition of organs, muscles, or tissues.
  • Can help find problems such as tumors, inflammation, or tenderness in various parts of the body.

Cultural Practices

  • In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners use a form of palpation to assess the health of the body's organs according to energy channels.
  • Some healing practices involve gentle palpation techniques to promote relaxation and relieve pain.

History

  • Historical figures like Hippocrates emphasized the importance of hands-on examination in understanding patient health.
  • The development of palpation techniques has evolved with advances in medical knowledge, particularly during the Renaissance.

Psychology

  • The act of palpation can not only reveal physical health but also affect a patient's emotional state, providing comfort through human touch.
  • Touch is crucial in building trust between a patient and doctor, making palpation an important aspect beyond just physical examination.

Origin of 'palpation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'palpare', meaning 'to touch or stroke'.
  • Palpation was first documented in medical texts from ancient Greece, marking an early form of physical examination.

The word 'palpation' comes from the Latin word 'palpare', which means 'to touch or stroke'. This Latin origin emphasizes the direct interaction between the examiner and the patient in the process of diagnosing medical conditions. Over time, palpation has evolved as a critical component of physical examinations and is extensively taught in medical education. By the late 19th century, palpation became widely recognized in the professional healthcare community as an essential practice, and its techniques are still an integral part of clinical assessments today.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,663, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.