What is the term for enlargement of the liver and spleen?

Prepare for the SkillsUSA Health Knowledge Test. Study with interactive quizzes and flashcards, each including hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the term for enlargement of the liver and spleen?

Explanation:
Enlargement of both the liver and the spleen is described using combining forms with -megaly, naming the organs involved. When both are enlarged, the term is hepatosplenomegaly, built from hepato- (liver), spleno- (spleen), and -megaly (enlargement). This differs from hepatomegaly, which means the liver alone is enlarged, and splenomegaly, which means the spleen alone is enlarged. Hepatosis refers to a liver disease process, not specifically to enlargement. So, the term that best fits enlargement of both organs is hepatosplenomegaly.

Enlargement of both the liver and the spleen is described using combining forms with -megaly, naming the organs involved. When both are enlarged, the term is hepatosplenomegaly, built from hepato- (liver), spleno- (spleen), and -megaly (enlargement). This differs from hepatomegaly, which means the liver alone is enlarged, and splenomegaly, which means the spleen alone is enlarged. Hepatosis refers to a liver disease process, not specifically to enlargement. So, the term that best fits enlargement of both organs is hepatosplenomegaly.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy