hernia - definition and meaning hernia Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition n. The protrusion of an organ or other bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it; a rupture. from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License n. A disorder in which a part of the body protrudes abnormally through a tear or opening in an adjacent part, especially of the abdomen. from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English n. A protrusion, consisting of an organ or part which has escaped from its natural cavity, and projects through some natural or accidental opening in the walls of the latter. Hernia of the abdominal viscera in most common. Called also rupture. from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia n. In surgery, a tumor formed by the displacement and protrusion of a part which has escaped from its natural cavity by some aperture, and projects externally; rupture: as, hernia of the brain, of the thorax, or of the abdomen. from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. n.

rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes Etymologies from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition Middle English, from Latin; see gherə- in Indo-European roots. from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License From Latin hernia ("protruded viscus"). Examples DESCRIPTION: Although the term hernia applies to any protrusion of an organ outside the cavity that normally contains it, the usual meaning is an abnormal protrusion of intestines through an opening in the abdominal cavity. Hernia | Define Hernia at Dictionary.com hernia [hur-nee-ee] /ˈhɜr niˌi/ (Show IPA). Pathology. 1. the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, especially in the abdominal region.

Expand 1350-1400; Middle English < Latin: a rupture; akin to hīra gut; see haruspex Related forms Examples from the Web for hernia Expand Contemporary Examples A Proactive New Response to the Service-Member Suicide Crisis Marjorie Morrison November 13, 2012 Historical Examples Herniol′ogy, the branch of surgery which treats of ruptures; Herniot′omy, the operation of cutting for hernia. In reality they were the convolutions of a hernia containing the posterior ends of both cerebral hemispheres. Degeneracy Eugene S. Talbot British Dictionary definitions for hernia Expand noun (pl) -nias, -niae (-nɪˌiː) 1. the projection of an organ or part through the lining of the cavity in which it is normally situated, esp the protrusion of intestine through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. It is caused by muscular strain, injury, etc Also called rupture Derived Forms Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for hernia Expand n. late 14c., hirnia, from Latin hernia "a rupture," related to hira "intestine," PIE *ghere- "gut, entrail" (see yarn ). The re-Latinized spelling is from 17c. Related: Herniated (1879). Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper hernia her·ni·a (hûr'nē-ə) n. pl. her·ni·as The protrusion of an organ or other bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it. her'ni·al adj. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

hernia (hûr'nē-ə) A condition in which an organ or body part, such as the intestine, protrudes through an opening in the body structure that normally contains it. The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved. Expand hernia [(hur-nee-uh)] The projection of an organ or part of an organ through the wall of the structure that surrounds it. Most often, the term is applied to the protrusion of a part of the intestine that can be observed as a lump in the lower abdomen . The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Pathology Glossary Pathology Glossary Back to "Doc Talk" page. A-, an- (prefix) e.g. aplasia - without or lack of formation. Abscess a localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by the disintegration of tissue. Acrodermatitis inflammation of the skin of the extremities, particularly of the paws or feet. e.g.

lethal acrodermatitis - an inherited autosomal recessive disease in bull terriers relating to zinc metabolism. Adeno- (prefix) e.g. adenitis - inflammation of a gland. Adenocarcinoma a malignant tumor of epithelial cells arranged in glandular patterns. Adenoma a benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form glandular structures or are derived from glandular epithelium. Agenesis absence, failure of formation or imperfect development of any part. Amelanotic in reference to a melanoma, amelanotic refers to a melanoma that contains little or no pigment. Anis-, aniso- (prefix) e.g. anisokaryosis - inequality in the size of the nuclei of cells. -angio (suffix) e.g. lymphangitis - inflammation of a lymph vessel. Ante- (prefix) before in time or space. e.g. ante mortem - before death. Anti- (prefix) e.g. antitoxin - an antibody to a toxin. Aplasia Defective development or congenital absence of an organ or tissue. Arthr(o)- (prefix) e.g. arthrolith - a calculous deposit within a joint.

Atresia (adj. atretic) closed; absence of a normal opening or normally patent lumen Atrophy a wasting of tissues, organs or the entire body; caused by death and resorption of cells, diminished cellular proliferation, pressure, ischemia, malnutrition, decreased function or hormonal changes. Auto- (prefix) e.g. autolysis - self-dissolution; the post-mortem enzymatic degradation of cells. Axilla C Cancer a group of neoplastic diseases in which there is a transformation of normal cells into malignant cells. The cells proliferate in an abnormal way resulting in a malignant, cellular tumor. See also Metastatic . Caseous having a consistency like that of cottage cheese. Catarrh inflammation of a mucous membrane with free discharge. -cele (suffix) e.g. meningocoele - hernial protrusion of meninges. Cellulitis a diffuse inflammatory process within solid tissues characterized by edema, redness, pain and interference with function. Cellulitis often occurs in the loose tissues beneath the skin, but may also occur in mucous membranes and in muscle bundles surounding organs. -centesis (suffix) e.g. thoracentesis - puncture of the pleural cavity.

Chol- (prefix) e.g. cholelith - gallstone; bile stone. Congenital exsisting at birth. referring to certain mental or physical traits or peculiarities, malformations, diseases, which may be either hereditary or due to some influence occuring during gestation even up to the moment of birth. See also Hereditary . Contralateral affecting or pertaining to the opposite side. Corrugated having a ripple-like distortion. Cyanosis a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to an excessive concentration of reduced (deoxygenated) hemoglobin in the blood. Cyst an abnormal sac filled with gas, fluid, or semi-solid material that is lined by a membrane. Cyst(o)- (prefix) e.g. cystitis - inflammation of the urinary bladder. Cyt(o)- (prefix) e.g. bronchiectasis - dilatation of bronchi. The noun form is ectasia -ectomy (suffix) e.g. cholecystectomy - excision of the gallbladder. Ecchymosis A purplish patch caused by extravasation of blood into the tissues differing from petechiae only in size.

See also Petechia and Purpura . Edema an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cavities and intercellular spaces of the body. Em-, en-, in- (prefix) e.g. encyst - to enclose in a cyst or sac. Embolus a clot, usually part or all of a thrombus , carried by a larger vessel and forced into a smaller vessel, thus obstructing blood flow. See also Embolism and Thromboembolism . Embolism the sudden blocking of an artery by a clot of material ( embolus ). The process of the formation of an embolus . -emesis (suffix) Hema-, hemato, haemo- (british)- (prefix) blood e.g. hematocrit - the volume percentage of erythrocytes in whole blood. Hemangio- (prefix) e.g. hemangiosarcoma - malignant tumor of a blood vessel. Hematoma a localized collection of extravasated blood, usually clotted. Hereditary transmitted from parent to offspring; derived from ancestry. See also Congenital . Hetero- (prefix) e.g. heterocellular - composed of more than one type of cell.

Histiocyte a large, phagocytic cell of the reticuloendothelial system; a macrophage. Histiocytoma a common neoplasm of young dogs composed of round histiocytic cells , thought to be Langerhan's cells. Most tumors spontaneously regress. Homeo-, homo- (prefix) e.g. homeotypical - resembling the normal or usual type. Hydro-, hygro- (prefix) e.g. hydronephrosis - distension of the renal pelvis and calices with urine. Hydroureter distension of the ureter with fluid due to obstruction. Hydroureter is often accompanied by hydronephrosis if the obstruction is in the bladder trigone or more distal. Hyper- (prefix) e.g. osteomalacia - softening of the bone. Macro- (prefix) e.g. macrophage - a large, mononuclear, phagocytic blood cell. Malignant having the properties of anaplasia, invasiveness and metastasis; Tending to become progressively worse and to result in death. See also Cancer . Malposition faulty or abnormal position of a part of the body. See also Dystopia .

Mega- (prefix) great. e.g. megakaryocyte - the giant cell of the bone marrow that has a greatly lobulated nucleus and gives rise to blood platelets. -megaly (suffix) e.g. splenomegaly - enlargement of the spleen. Melan- (prefix) black. e.g. melanin - black pigment of the hair, skin, ciliary body, choroid, retina, and certain nerve cells. Meninges the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord - the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater. Meningo- (prefix) e.g. meningoencephalitis - inflammation of the brain and its meninges . Mesothelium the layer of flat cells lining the body cavity of the embryo; in the adult, it forms the simple squamous epithelium that covers the true serous membranes of the body. Mesothelium is derived from mesoderm. Metastatic a tumor that has transfered from one organ (or part) to another not directly connected to it. See also Cancer . Micro- (prefix) e.g. microhepatia - a small liver.

Morphologic diagnosis the interpretation of the abnormalities in terms of severity, time, lesion and anatomic site. For example: severe, chronic, glomerulonephritis. Mucous (adj.) relating to or resembling mucus. Mucus (n.) the glandular, free slime of the mucous membranes. My-, myo- (prefix) e.g. leiomyosarcoma - a malignant tumor of smooth muscle cells. Myelin the lipid substance forming a sheath around the axons of certain nerve fibers. Myx- (prefix) the essential or functional elements of an organ. Patent open, exposed or unobstructed. e.g. patent ductus arteriosus - an abnormal persistence after birth of an open lumen in the ductus arteriosus, between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Pathogenesis the sequence of events that leads to a disease or morbid process. It may be, for example, hormonal, chemical, infectious, genetic or traumatic in nature. Pathology the science and study of disease, especially the causes and development of abnormal conditions both gross and microscopic. Pedunculated elevated, as on a stem (peduncle). -penia (suffix) e.g.

thrombocytopenia - decrease in blood platelets. Peri- (prefix) e.g. peribronchial - around the bronchus. Pericardium the fibroserous sac enclosing the heart and the roots of the great vessels of the heart. It is composed of a fibrous external layer and a serous inner layer. Petechia a pinpoint, non-raised, purplish-red spot caused by intradermal or subcutaneous hemorrhage. Plural is petechiae. These are tell-tale symptoms of Ebola and Lassa Fevers. Peyer's Patches ovoid, elevated patches of closely packed lymphoid follicles in the mucosa and submucosa of the small intestine. Also called aggregated lymphoid follicles. -phage (suffix) e.g. macrophage - a cell which devours (phagocytoses). Phago- (prefix) e.g. phagocyte - any cell that ingests foreign material, other cells or microorganisms.

Pheochromocytoma (pheo=dusky) (chromo=color) (cyt=cell) (oma=tumor) a small tumor of chromaffin cells, usually of the adrenal medulla, but occasionally of the chromaffin tissue of sympathetic paraganglia. Functional tumors secrete catecholamines. Phleb- (prefix) e.g. phlebitis - inflammation of the vein. Pinna the projecting part of the ear; also known as the auricle. -plasia (suffix) to form. e.g. hyperplasia - an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, usually as a physiologic response to a stimulus. -pnea (suffix) e.g. dyspnea - labored or difficult breathing. Polyp a spheroidal mass that protrudes upwards or outwards from a normal surface. Polyps may be hyperplastic , inflammatory, or neoplastic. e.g. pedunculated polyp - a polyp attached by a thin stalk ( peduncle ). e.g. sessile polyp - a polyp with a broad base ( sessile ). Polypoid Resembling a polyp .

Purpura a hemorraghic disease characterized by extravasation of blood into the tissues producing spontaneous ecchymoses and petechiae. Pus a protein-rich liquid inflammation product comprised of leukocytes , a thin fluid and cellular debris. Prognosis a prediction of the outcome of the pathological process or disease. -ptosis (suffix) e.g. ptosis - drooping, specifically: of the eyelid. Pyo- (prefix) pus. e.g. pyometra - an accumulation of pus within the uterus. e.g. pyogranuloma - an infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells into an area of chronic inflammation characterized by mononuclear cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and even plasma cells. Pyelonephritis (nephropyelitis) Diaphragmatocele - definition of diaphragmatocele by The Free Dictionary Diaphragmatocele - definition of diaphragmatocele by The Free Dictionary (hûr′nē-ə) n. pl. her·ni·as or her·ni·ae (-nē-ē′) The protrusion of an organ or other bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it; a rupture.

[Middle English, from Latin; see gherə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] her′ni·al adj. (ˈhɜːnɪə) n, pl -nias or -niae (-nɪˌiː) (Pathology) the projection of an organ or part through the lining of the cavity in which it is normally situated, esp the protrusion of intestine through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. It is caused by muscular strain, injury, etc. Also called: rupture [C14: from Latin] (ˈhɜr ni ə) n., pl. -ni•as, -ni•ae (-niˌi) the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, esp. in the abdominal region. [1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: a rupture; akin to hīra gut; see haruspex ] her′ni•al, adj. her·ni·a (hûr′nē-ə) A condition in which an organ or other structure of the body protrudes through an abnormal opening in the body structure that normally contains it.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: rupture - state of being torn or burst open colpocele , vaginocele - hernia projecting into the vagina diverticulum - a herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ (especially the colon) eventration - protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall exomphalos - an umbilical hernia at birth in which some abdominal organs push into the umbilical cord diaphragmatic hernia , hiatal hernia , hiatus hernia - hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm inguinal hernia - hernia in which a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal; the most common type of hernia in males keratocele - hernia of the cornea laparocele - hernia through the abdomen omphalocele , umbilical hernia - protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth Translations Fat hernia - definition of fat hernia by The Free Dictionary Fat hernia - definition of fat hernia by The Free Dictionary (hûr′nē-ə) n. pl.

her·ni·as or her·ni·ae (-nē-ē′) The protrusion of an organ or other bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it; a rupture. [Middle English, from Latin; see gherə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] her′ni·al adj. (ˈhɜːnɪə) n, pl -nias or -niae (-nɪˌiː) (Pathology) the projection of an organ or part through the lining of the cavity in which it is normally situated, esp the protrusion of intestine through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. It is caused by muscular strain, injury, etc. Also called: rupture [C14: from Latin] (ˈhɜr ni ə) n., pl. -ni•as, -ni•ae (-niˌi) the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, esp. in the abdominal region. [1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: a rupture; akin to hīra gut; see haruspex ] her′ni•al, adj.

her·ni·a (hûr′nē-ə) A condition in which an organ or other structure of the body protrudes through an abnormal opening in the body structure that normally contains it.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: rupture - state of being torn or burst open colpocele , vaginocele - hernia projecting into the vagina diverticulum - a herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ (especially the colon) eventration - protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall exomphalos - an umbilical hernia at birth in which some abdominal organs push into the umbilical cord diaphragmatic hernia , hiatal hernia , hiatus hernia - hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm inguinal hernia - hernia in which a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal; the most common type of hernia in males keratocele - hernia of the cornea laparocele - hernia through the abdomen omphalocele , umbilical hernia - protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth Translations Hiatal hernia | definition of hiatal hernia by Medical dictionary Hiatal hernia | definition of hiatal hernia by Medical dictionary hernia [her´ne-ah] the abnormal protrusion of

 part of an organ or tissue through the structures normally containing it.

adj., adj her´nial. A weak spot or other abnormal opening in a body wall permits part of the organ to bulge through. A hernia may develop in various parts of the body, most commonly in the region of the abdomen (abdominal hernia), and may be either acquired or congenital. An old popular term for hernia is rupture, but this term is misleading because it suggests tearing and nothing is torn in a hernia. Although various supports and trusses can be tried in an effort to contain the hernia, the best treatment for this condition is herniorrhaphy , surgical repair of the weakness in the muscle wall through which the hernia protrudes. Bochdalek's hernia congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia , with extrusion of bowel and other abdominal viscera into the thorax; due to failure of closure of the pleuroperitoneal hiatus. cerebral hernia (hernia ce´rebri) protrusion of brain substance through a defect in the skull. diaphragmatic hernia see diaphragmatic hernia . fat hernia hernial protrusion of peritoneal fat through the abdominal wall.

femoral hernia protrusion of a loop of intestine into the femoral canal, a tubular passageway that carries nerves and blood vessels to the thigh; this type occurs more often in women than in men. Called also crural hernia and femorocele . hiatal hernia (hiatus hernia) protrusion of a structure, often a portion of the stomach, through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm; see diaphragmatic hernia . Holthouse's hernia an inguinal hernia that has turned outward into the groin. incarcerated hernia a hernia so occluded that it cannot be returned by manipulation; it may or may not become strangulated. Called also irreducible hernia . incisional hernia hernia after operation at the site of the surgical incision, owing to improper healing or to excessive strain on the healing tissue; such strain may be caused by excessive muscular effort, such as that involved in lifting or severe coughing, or by obesity, which creates additional pressure on the weakened area. inguinal hernia hernia occurring in the groin, or inguen, where the abdominal folds of flesh meet the thighs.

It is often the result of increased pressure within the abdomen, whether due to lifting, coughing, straining, or accident. Inguinal hernia accounts for about 75 per cent of all hernias. A sac formed from the peritoneum and containing a portion of the intestine or omentum, or both, pushes either directly outward through the weakest point in the abdominal wall (direct hernia) or downward at an angle into the inguinal canal (indirect hernia). Indirect inguinal hernia (the common form) occurs more often in males because it follows the tract that develops when the testes descend into the scrotum before birth, and the hernia itself may descend into the scrotum. In the female, the hernia follows the course of the round ligament of the uterus. Inguinal hernia begins usually as a small breakthrough. It may be hardly noticeable, appearing as a soft lump under the skin, no larger than a marble, and there may be little pain. As time passes, the pressure of the contents of the abdomen against the weak abdominal wall may increase the size of the opening and, accordingly, the size of the lump formed by the hernia.

In the early stages, an inguinal hernia is usually reducible—it can be pushed gently back into its normal place. Inguinal hernia usually requires herniorrhaphy . intra-abdominal hernia (intraperitoneal hernia) a congenital anomaly of intestinal positioning, occurring within the abdomen, in which a portion of bowel protrudes through a defect in the peritoneum or, as a result of abnormal rotation of the intestine during embryonic development, becomes trapped in a sac of peritoneum. irreducible hernia incarcerated hernia . mesocolic hernia an intra-abdominal hernia in which the small intestine rotates incompletely during development and becomes trapped within the mesentery of the colon. Morgagni's hernia congenital retrosternal diaphragmatic hernia , with extrusion of tissue into the thorax through the foramen of Morgagni. paraesophageal hernia hiatal hernia in which part or almost all of the stomach protrudes through the hiatus into the thorax to the left of the esophagus, with the gastroesophageal junction remaining in place. Paraesophageal hernia. From Dorland's, 2000.

posterior vaginal hernia downward protrusion of the pouch of Douglas, with its intestinal contents, between the posterior vaginal wall and the rectum; called also enterocele . See illustration. Posterior vaginal hernia. From McKinney et al., 2000. reducible hernia one that can be returned by manipulation. Richter's hernia incarcerated or strangulated hernia in which only a portion of the circumference of the bowel wall is involved. rolling hernia paraesophageal hernia . scrotal hernia an inguinal hernia that has passed into the scrotum. sliding hernia hernia of the cecum (on the right) or the sigmoid colon (on the left) in which the wall of the viscus forms a portion of the hernial sac, the remainder of the sac being formed by the parietal peritoneum. sliding hiatal hernia the most common type of diaphragmatic hernia ; a hiatal hernia in which the upper stomach and the cardioesophageal junction protrude upward into the posterior mediastinum. The protrusion, which may be fixed or intermittent, is partially covered by a peritoneal sac. Sliding hiatal hernia.

From Dorland's, 2000. slip hernia (slipped hernia) sliding hernia . strangulated hernia one that is tightly constricted. As any hernia progresses and bulges out through the weak point in its containing wall, the opening in the wall tends to close behind it, forming a narrow neck. If the neck becomes pinched tight enough to cut off the blood supply, the hernia will quickly swell and become strangulated. This is a very dangerous condition that can appear suddenly and requires immediate surgical attention. Unless the blood supply is restored promptly, gangrene can set in and may cause death. If a hernia suddenly grows larger, becomes tense, and will not go back into place, and there is pain and nausea, it is strangulated. Occasionally, especially in the elderly, hernia strangulation may occur without pain or tenderness. Hernia, diaphragmatic | definition of Hernia, diaphragmatic by Medical dictionary Hernia, diaphragmatic | definition of Hernia, diaphragmatic by Medical dictionary Related to Hernia, diaphragmatic: congenital diaphragmatic hernia diaphragmatic [di″ah-frag-mat´ik] pertaining to a diaphragm.

diaphragmatic hernia protrusion of some of the contents of the abdomen through an opening in the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. The condition may be congenital or acquired. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in newborns is due to failure of the embryonic diaphragm to fuse. The opening in the diaphragm can be large enough to permit filling of the thoracic cavity with abdominal contents, thus interfering with normal expansion of the lungs. This produces respiratory distress, which is the outstanding feature of neonatal diaphragmatic hernia. hypoxia results from persistent fetal circulation that produces a right-to-left shunting via the foramen ovale and patent ductus arteriosus . The severity of symptoms and age of onset depend on the extent of hypoplasia of the lungs and the degree of interference with ventilation. The condition constitutes a surgical emergency. Without immediate and successful intervention the neonate is likely to succumb to rapid and progressive respiratory failure. At the moment of birth the neonate with this condition will show some degree of respiratory distress. The abdomen may appear sunken and the anterior-posterior chest diameter enlarged.

Because the position of the heart can be shifted by the herniating organs, heart sounds are often heard on the side opposite the hernia, and bowel sounds may be heard in the chest cavity. A simple x-ray of the chest and abdomen will demonstrate loops of bowel in the chest, with the mediastinum shifted toward the contralateral side. Surgical repair of the hernia and restoration of internal organs to their rightful place should be done as soon as possible. Before surgery the neonate is stabilized without delay. Nasogastric decompression is begun; intubation and assisted ventilation with supplemental oxygen may be necessary. Postoperatively, the infant may remain extremely critical; at times extracorporeal membrane oxygenation will be necessary until the persistent fetal circulation resolves. It has been found that the survival rate for these neonates is greatly improved if they are cared for in an environment that is quiet, soothing, and as nonstressful as possible considering the intensive monitoring and care they must have.

Diaphragmatic hernia in the adult usually is a sliding type of hiatal hernia ; that is, a part of the stomach slides upward into the thoracic cavity, following the normal path of the esophagus through an enlarged hiatal opening in the diaphragm. Causes include congenital weakness of the structures, trauma, relaxation of ligaments and skeletal muscles, or increased upward pressure from the abdomen. It is most often found in persons of middle age or older. Small sliding hiatal hernias are found in the majority of persons undergoing an upper gastrointestinal series. Most are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Those causing symptoms do so because of inflammation of the esophageal lining resulting from gastroesophageal reflux . Typically, the symptoms occur after a full meal and include heartburn and indigestion. Large sliding hernias can cause intermittent abdominal and chest pain, difficult breathing, and cardiovascular symptoms. If the herniated portion of the stomach becomes incarcerated or is perforated, there is sudden sharp pain under the sternum and symptoms of obstruction. Although this rarely occurs, it is a surgical emergency.

The preferred treatment consists of small meals of bland, easily digested food, moderate exercise, and sleeping with the upper part of the body in a raised position. Surgical repair involves invasion of the abdominal and thoracic cavities and is reserved for severe cases that cannot be managed medically. hernia [her´ne-ah] the abnormal protrusion of part of an organ or tissue through the structures normally containing it. adj., adj her´nial. A weak spot or other abnormal opening in a body wall permits part of the organ to bulge through. A hernia may develop in various parts of the body, most commonly in the region of the abdomen (abdominal hernia), and may be either acquired or congenital. An old popular term for hernia is rupture, but this term is misleading because it suggests tearing and nothing is torn in a hernia. Although various supports and trusses can be tried in an effort to contain the hernia, the best treatment for this condition is herniorrhaphy , surgical repair of the weakness in the muscle wall through which the hernia protrudes.

Bochdalek's hernia congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia , with extrusion of bowel and other abdominal viscera into the thorax; due to failure of closure of the pleuroperitoneal hiatus. cerebral hernia (hernia ce´rebri) protrusion of brain substance through a defect in the skull. diaphragmatic hernia see diaphragmatic hernia . fat hernia hernial protrusion of peritoneal fat through the abdominal wall. femoral hernia protrusion of a loop of intestine into the femoral canal, a tubular passageway that carries nerves and blood vessels to the thigh; this type occurs more often in women than in men. Called also crural hernia and femorocele . hiatal hernia (hiatus hernia) protrusion of a structure, often a portion of the stomach, through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm; see diaphragmatic hernia . Holthouse's hernia an inguinal hernia that has turned outward into the groin. incarcerated hernia a hernia so occluded that it cannot be returned by manipulation; it may or may not become strangulated. Called also irreducible hernia .

incisional hernia hernia after operation at the site of the surgical incision, owing to improper healing or to excessive strain on the healing tissue; such strain may be caused by excessive muscular effort, such as that involved in lifting or severe coughing, or by obesity, which creates additional pressure on the weakened area. inguinal hernia hernia occurring in the groin, or inguen, where the abdominal folds of flesh meet the thighs. It is often the result of increased pressure within the abdomen, whether due to lifting, coughing, straining, or accident. Inguinal hernia accounts for about 75 per cent of all hernias. A sac formed from the peritoneum and containing a portion of the intestine or omentum, or both, pushes either directly outward through the weakest point in the abdominal wall (direct hernia) or downward at an angle into the inguinal canal (indirect hernia). Indirect inguinal hernia (the common form) occurs more often in males because it follows the tract that develops when the testes descend into the scrotum before birth, and the hernia itself may descend into the scrotum.

In the female, the hernia follows the course of the round ligament of the uterus. Inguinal hernia begins usually as a small breakthrough. It may be hardly noticeable, appearing as a soft lump under the skin, no larger than a marble, and there may be little pain. As time passes, the pressure of the contents of the abdomen against the weak abdominal wall may increase the size of the opening and, accordingly, the size of the lump formed by the hernia. In the early stages, an inguinal hernia is usually reducible—it can be pushed gently back into its normal place. Inguinal hernia usually requires herniorrhaphy . intra-abdominal hernia (intraperitoneal hernia) a congenital anomaly of intestinal positioning, occurring within the abdomen, in which a portion of bowel protrudes through a defect in the peritoneum or, as a result of abnormal rotation of the intestine during embryonic development, becomes trapped in a sac of peritoneum. irreducible hernia incarcerated hernia . mesocolic hernia an intra-abdominal hernia in which the small intestine rotates incompletely during development and becomes trapped within the mesentery of the colon.

Morgagni's hernia congenital retrosternal diaphragmatic hernia , with extrusion of tissue into the thorax through the foramen of Morgagni. paraesophageal hernia hiatal hernia in which part or almost all of the stomach protrudes through the hiatus into the thorax to the left of the esophagus, with the gastroesophageal junction remaining in place. Paraesophageal hernia. From Dorland's, 2000. posterior vaginal hernia downward protrusion of the pouch of Douglas, with its intestinal contents, between the posterior vaginal wall and the rectum; called also enterocele . See illustration. Posterior vaginal hernia. From McKinney et al., 2000. reducible hernia one that can be returned by manipulation. Richter's hernia incarcerated or strangulated hernia in which only a portion of the circumference of the bowel wall is involved. rolling hernia paraesophageal hernia . scrotal hernia an inguinal hernia that has passed into the scrotum.

sliding hernia hernia of the cecum (on the right) or the sigmoid colon (on the left) in which the wall of the viscus forms a portion of the hernial sac, the remainder of the sac being formed by the parietal peritoneum. sliding hiatal hernia the most common type of diaphragmatic hernia ; a hiatal hernia in which the upper stomach and the cardioesophageal junction protrude upward into the posterior mediastinum. The protrusion, which may be fixed or intermittent, is partially covered by a peritoneal sac. Sliding hiatal hernia. From Dorland's, 2000. slip hernia (slipped hernia) sliding hernia . strangulated hernia one that is tightly constricted. As any hernia progresses and bulges out through the weak point in its containing wall, the opening in the wall tends to close behind it, forming a narrow neck. If the neck becomes pinched tight enough to cut off the blood supply, the hernia will quickly swell and become strangulated. This is a very dangerous condition that can appear suddenly and requires immediate surgical attention.

Unless the blood supply is restored promptly, gangrene can set in and may cause death. If a hernia suddenly grows larger, becomes tense, and will not go back into place, and there is pain and nausea, it is strangulated. Occasionally, especially in the elderly, hernia strangulation may occur without pain or tenderness. pertaining to the diaphragm. diaphragmatic abscess in the cow produces a syndrome of humped back, pain on percussion over the xiphoid area, fever and leukocytosis. diaphragmatic hernia in cattle, cases resulting from traumatic reticulitis show chronic ruminal tympany, distention, emaciation, anterior displacement of the heart with systolic murmur. Congenital cases in calves and those in cows due to trauma show dyspnea, displacement of the heart, and gut sounds audible in the chest. Horse cases are usually traumatic in origin and result in an acute onset of severe colic with no good distinguishing signs. In dogs and cats, uncommonly congenital but a common sequela to trauma with signs of dyspnea and pleural effusion. See also peritoneopericardial hernia. diaphragmatic rupture

Question: In pathology what is the common term for a displacement and protrusion of part of an organ through its cavity wall?
Answer: Hernia