PARASTERNAL LINE Meaning and
Definition
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The parasternal line, in medical terminology, refers to an anatomical reference point or line used to assess and identify specific structures within the human body, particularly in the thoracic region. It is a hypothetical line or mark that extends vertically down the middle of the chest, starting from the clavicle (collarbone) and running down to the xiphoid process (the lowest part of the sternum or breastbone).
In clinical practice, the parasternal line is crucial for locating and examining various structures of the thorax, including the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. It is commonly employed as a guide during physical examinations, medical imaging procedures like X-rays and ultrasounds, or surgical interventions.
Physicians and other healthcare professionals utilize the parasternal line to identify and assess the position, size, or abnormalities of the heart, such as determining the size of the cardiac silhouette on an X-ray or listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope. It can also be used as a reference point for thoracentesis (a procedure to remove fluid from the chest) or for inserting a central line (a catheter placed in a large blood vessel).
The parasternal line serves as an important anatomical landmark in clinical settings, aiding in accurate assessment and diagnosis of thoracic conditions, particularly those related to the heart and lungs.
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A perpeudicular line, nearly continuous with the Poupart l., running midway between the nipple and the outer border of the sternum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARASTERNAL LINE
- oarasternal line
- larasternal line
- -arasternal line
- 0arasternal line
- pzrasternal line
- psrasternal line
- pwrasternal line
- pqrasternal line
- paeasternal line
- padasternal line
- pafasternal line
- patasternal line
- pa5asternal line
- pa4asternal line
- parzsternal line
- parssternal line
- parwsternal line
- parqsternal line
- paraaternal line
- parazternal line
Etymology of PARASTERNAL LINE
The word "parasternal" is derived from two Latin roots: "para" meaning "beside" or "next to", and "sternum" referring to the breastbone or the bone in the center of the chest. Hence, "parasternal" essentially means "next to the sternum".
The term "line" in this context refers to a linear mark or demarcation. So, "parasternal line" refers to an imaginary line or linear reference point next to the sternum. It is used in medical contexts to describe a line on the chest that is parallel to and next to the breastbone, often used as a reference point for medical examinations and procedures.
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