How Do You Spell MOVABLE SPLEEN?

1. Movable spleen is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal movement or displacement of the spleen within the abdomen. The spleen is a vital organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage, and is responsible for maintaining healthy blood cells, filtering out old or damaged red blood cells, and assisting in immune responses.

   In cases of movable spleen, also known as wandering spleen or splenic ptosis, the ligaments and connective tissues that normally hold the spleen in its proper position become stretched, weak, or absent, allowing the spleen to move more freely within the abdominal cavity. This condition is quite rare and is usually a congenital anomaly, present from birth.

   Symptoms of a movable spleen can vary, and in some cases, patients may be entirely asymptomatic. However, common signs may include pain or discomfort in the left upper abdomen, especially after eating or physical activity, as well as a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen. Patients may also experience recurrent episodes of abdominal pain due to the spleen getting trapped or twisted, a condition known as splenic torsion.

   Diagnosis of movable spleen typically involves physical examination, imaging tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans, and sometimes a nuclear medicine scan using radiotracers to evaluate the blood flow to the spleen.

   Treatment options for movable spleen depend on the severity of symptoms and potential complications. Mild cases may be managed conservatively through lifestyle modifications and wearing supportive garments to provide abdominal support. However, in cases of severe symptoms or potential complications such as splenic torsion or infarction, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove or reposition the spleen and repair any underlying ligamentous abnormalities.

2. Floating s.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MOVABLE SPLEEN

The phrase "movable spleen" does not have a direct etymology as it is not a commonly used or recognized term in the English language. However, if we break it down, we can explore the origin of the individual words.

1. Movable: The word "movable" is derived from the Old French word "movoir" which means "to move". It entered Middle English through the Anglo-Norman language and has been used in English since the 14th century.

2. Spleen: The word "spleen" comes from the Latin word "splēn" which refers to the organ spleen. In ancient Greek medicine, the spleen was thought to be the source of melancholia and emotions, hence giving rise to the association of the term with feelings of anger or irritability.